Category: Uncategorized
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Flow
Let go- Embrace yourself- Reclaim and embody Openness, authenticity, Freedom Photo: Colorado Springs, CO. 6.29.23 by LA
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A Window
A window, Born from exposure, experience, erosion, An opening in an otherwise hard and impenetrable object, A breach, a crack, a breaking open of sorts. It gives little information about the contents within, But rather lets us see through, To what lies beyond, Both near and far. Standing atop this mountain, I look through to…
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Lake
Serene and sublime, Its depths holding magnitudes Of unseen secrets. Photo: Evergreen, CO. 6.29.23 by LA
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Practice Presence
Pause there and rest, Take a beat, Come down from the thrill, The excitement of soaring, Of showing off your beauty, Of proving your skill, Flying high above, unreachable, untouchable, Getting an overview, a glimpse- An outsider, you control what we see of you. Come down now, Amongst us, those who love you. What do…
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Peace
Clouds Dance in Bright blue sky- Perfect backdrop To majestic mounts Dotted with evergreens Standing watch over the lake- Clear, refreshing, peaceful, healing, A home to animal and plant life. I stand on the this bridge and soak it all in. Photo: Evergreen Lake, Evergreen, CO. 6.29.23 by LA
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Thoughtful
I’m feeling thoughtful, Still and at peace. I’m feeling thoughtful, My body at ease. I love to sit in Nature when I’m feeling thoughtful, in the shadow of mountains, by the babbling of a creek or river, by the rolling waves of the ocean, by the colorful palette of a flower garden. I find myself…
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Free
I stand on one foot And experience balance, Feel how my body adjusts To accommodate my wishes. I point my toe, Extending it out and away from me, Refusing to be boxed in and kept small, Reaching and pushing and growing. My belly tucks in, Aligning with my hips, Opening up not for others, But…
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Anger!
It rumbles in from the distance, Moving slowly at first, building. Dark clouds gather, gaining strength in their discontent. Other malcontents join in the cacophony, Bringing noise and chaos. As they jostle for position, violence erupts, Until there is a palpable charge in the air. “Something is going to happen here!” The People note. The…
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Illusion
I think I see it, Surely my eyes aren’t lying, It must be the truth. But can I truly believe, That which seeks to fool my mind? The Illusionist Isn’t just a shady guy, It is also me When I don’t want to see truth, When I just want to believe. Sometimes my feelings Purport…
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Little Boy
What are you thinking, Little Boy?What thoughts go through your mind?Are you dreaming up some mischiefOr a prank to mastermind?What are you thinking, Little Boy?Are you dreaming in your head?Do you see the possibilities,The promise that lies ahead?Are you imagining a trip to space,To explore the Universe so vast?Or is your bent to know the…
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A Smile
A Smile is an invitation,Goodwill that you extend.It sets the stage for kindness,It’s how you make a friend.A Smile is an olive branch,With it you make amends.It shows that you are sorry,And your misstep it transcends.But a Smile is also yours,Not just meant to give away.For when you are feeling pleasure,Your inner happiness it conveys.Photo:…
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Strawberry Bloom
A single flower Emerges from the new plant, Shocking in color, For white was expected here… Surprise! I felt bright today! Photo: Flemington, NJ. 7.3.23 by LA
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The 4th of July
Growing up, the 4th of July was my favorite holiday, unlike most kids who favored Christmas. For me, the 4th was all about adventure, excitement and hubbub, with my house at the center of it. We were ideally situated (in my mind, anyway) just beyond the launching site for the fireworks. From our backyard, the…
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The Path
No matter where I am, I am drawn to the path, Be it through the woods, By a river or creek, Across a snow covered field, Or through a tunnel. As I walk down the path, I look not only forward, But to my left and right, Taking in the sights and sounds Of this…
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Gotta Go Through It
The tunnel, Carved into mountain For us to Move forward. And so it is with pain, fear, And problems-go through! Photo: Red Rocks Park, Colorado. 6.28.23 by LA Shadorma poem with 6 lines of 3, 5, 3, 3, 7, 5 syllables This photo reminded me of Brownie meetings as a kid, where my mom (our…
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I Sit for Treats
They have been running and chasing each other around the pool, delirious. Suddenly, a boy appears with treats in his hand, Signaling that they should “Sit!” At once, the four bodies that couldn’t stay still, that didn’t listen to owners Come to a screeching halt, attentive to the scintillating scent And sit politely like statues…
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Fireworks
The baseball game ends, Lights and sounds fill the night sky, Independence Day! Photo: Trenton Thunder Stadium, Trenton, NJ. 7.4.23 by LA
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The Tack
So here’s an interesting story from my childhood, and a bit embarrassing at first glance. But bear with me, because maybe you’ve had a similar experience but under different conditions. For a number of years, my childhood bedroom had a thick, blue shag rug. On my sliding closet doors hung a full length mirror. As…
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Thorns
A few weeks ago, I was out front trimming my rose bushes back. They were aggressively attacking cars pulling in and out of the driveway and the mail carrier making his daily trek up the sidewalk. Suited up in long sleeves and gardening gloves, I began the task of trimming and bagging the shorn stems.…
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Unmasked
Under the mask so polished, pristine, and polite, (Nothing to see here, nothing to notice), Meet One who seeks real connection, true connection, Acceptance for her authentic Self, which seeks to be seen and heard and known. She Keeps herself “safe,” missing the whole point that Everything she wants, everything she seeks, is Deep within…
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Lessons From Nature
I’ve just returned from a week out in Colorado, spending time in Denver, Boulder, Golden, Evergreen, Colorado Springs, and Manitou Springs and hiking the Flat Irons, Red Rocks and Garden of the Gods. I was surrounded by Nature’s bounty and cognizant that it held lessons for me. I was stunned by the massive beauty of…
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Indomitable Spirit
For the month of June, I am each day flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo, and randomly stopping at a page to read. Using the entry as a prompt, I delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in…
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Letting Go
For the month of June, I am each day flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo, and randomly stopping at a page to read. Using the entry as a prompt, I delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in…
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Change
For the month of June, I am each day flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo, and randomly stopping at a page to read. Using the entry as a prompt, I delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in…
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Trauma Identity
For the month of June, I am each day flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo, and randomly stopping at a page to read. Using the entry as a prompt, I delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in…
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Essential for Growth
For the month of June, I am each day flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo, and randomly stopping at a page to read. Using the entry as a prompt, I delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in…
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Pain, Patterns and the Past
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Needs
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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True Friends
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Turning Inward Before Outward
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Let Them Be
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Communication
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Perfectly Imperfect
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Healing Along the Way
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Identity
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Presence
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Expectations
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Attachment/Detachment
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Pacing
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Thoughts
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Throw Away the Idea
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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The Essentials
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Defensiveness
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Trauma
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Heal Yourself
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Impactful Change
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Warts and All
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Judgment
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Healing and Growing
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Reactions
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Craving
For the month of June, I am flipping through Clarity and Connection, by Yung Pueblo daily and randomly stopping at a page and reading. I am using the entry to delve into my thoughts and feelings, find what resonates, and see what answers it might hold for me. It is an exercise in building my…
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Self Awareness
I’m starting something new this month. I enjoyed poetry month so much and the impetus it gave me to write daily. I have missed that routine and excitement surrounding creativity and discovered a new alternative about an hour ago. I have a book called CLARITY & CONNECTION by Yung Pueblo. It could be read cover…
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Let Them
This past weekend I listened to an Instagram reel by Mel Robbins called “Let Them Theory.” It was so simple, yet so revolutionary, and as usual, it was the Universe giving me the exact message I need to hear at the exact time I need to hear it. Her premise is that we spend so…
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Empathy
Fumbling in his footsteps, Idling in her eyes, That I might understand. A Senryu poem of three lines, unrhymed, about human nature
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Don’t Be Afraid
Don’t be afraid to say no, To that which offends you, To that which doesn’t align, To that which robs your spirit, To that which doesn’t feel right, To that which others expect of you, To that which you don’t want to do, To that which doesn’t belong to you, To that which exhausts and…
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Mental Health-Words Matter
I read a post by Lauren Urie, R.S.W. from @advocacychange project that said: Stop saying bipolar when you mean moody. Stop saying psychotic when you mean irrational. Stop saying anorexic when you mean thin. Stop saying depressed when you mean sad. Stop saying schizophrenic when you mean unpredictable. Stop saying anti-social when you mean shy…
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Midnight on the Porch, a Haiku
Midnight on the porch Black shadows chase the last light As crickets perform.
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Short Stories
Our assignment in class was to write a short story about… a time you were proud in 4 words: I’m right here, Love. I started a company! I am self sufficient. I ask for help. a time you were sad in 5 words: My mom died in September. We put Raven to sleep. We haven’t…
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Rebellion, Part 2
I want to launch a rebellion, Not with protests or signs, Not with force or violence, Not with selfishness or carelessness. No, I want to launch a rebellion Of my own, For me, by me, about me, To save me, From more decades of Rule following, People pleasing, Meeting expectations, Playing it safe, Making everyone…
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Balance
Between All that I must do and all that Lifts my spirits, I try to Achieve homeostasis, so that my scales Never tip so far in one direction that I Can’t see the other side. I am Even, peaceful, calm. Photo: Constitution Center, Philadelphia, PA. 11.9.18 by LA
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I Love a Good List!
The task as we entered writing class a few weeks ago was to write about our week. Loving organization in general and having a pretty logical mind, I immediately divided my paper into four quadrants with these labels: Navigating, Celebrating, Questioning, Challenging. I then dumped the contents of my swirling brain into neat lists. Here…
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Commencement
So THIS happened last week! That’s an actual picture taken at the United States Coast Guard Academy’s 142nd Commencement Exercise. My middle daughter was one of the young adults who marched onto the field with precision, in straight lines and with their “eyes in the boat.” They entered as cadets and left as Ensigns to…
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Mother’s Day
I’m feeling all the feels today And can’t seem to find the words I’ve written two pieces That don’t convey What is in my heart And so I turn to images That say what I cannot. As the youngest, there aren’t many pictures of me as a child. As a woman who did not like…
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A Classroom in the Spring
Aaah- Achoo! A big sneeze, And another! Bless you! Gesundheit! Can I have a tissue? Remember to wash your hands! I guess I should close the windows, Allergy season is upon us! While testing a group of 2nd graders this week, the sneezing was leaping from one part of the room to another and I…
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Release
The bulk of it envelops you, Settling heaviest upon your shoulders and back, Pressing down on your chest, It weighs you down. But you are determined, Determined to shed it, To lighten your load. Instead, you carry it, Until it feels almost part of you, A comfort in some strange way. And then you add…
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Control
You think it will keep you safe, Keep them safe, your loved ones, But it is a mirage, And not yours to claim. This is a Naani poem, consisting of 4 lines of 20-25 syllables. Photo: Sedona, AZ. 12.28.22 by LA
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Out of the Mouths of Babes???
“Oh, precious baby! Your presence is so powerful, Our world you truly glorify, You’re a masterpiece-so perfect and incomparable!” “My legs have rolls, my belly is deplorable, My body makes me want to cry!” “Oh, precious baby! Your presence is so powerful!” “Why must I look like this? Why am I so pitiful? And gender?…
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“You’re killin’ me!”
I know they look sweet in this picture. It’s probably what brought you here. And believe me, they are. They are adorable and cuddly and funny and affectionate and entertaining and great company. They are so excited to see me any time I enter a room and they almost always get up to greet me!…
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Freedom
I am speech, that others might know what you stand for, I am expression, that you might practice what resonates so deeply within you, I am tolerance, that you might have an opinion that differs, I am choice, that you might feel empowered to honor your needs, I am voice, that you might cast your…
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National Poetry Month: Embodiment, A Nonet
She had survived tragedy and loss, And knew the time had come to thrive, To return to her passion, To become embodied. The gown, the make-up, The confidence! Dance, Cindy! Twirl and Beam! This poem is dedicated to my friend and colleague, Cindy, who is my hero this year. She started 2023 wanting to step…
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National Poetry Month: Epitaph for Fear
Here lies feelings of failure, thoughts of threats, angst about acceptance, doubt about differences, mistrust of manifestation, wonder about worthiness, anxiety about what awaits, apprehension about aging, concern about catastrophe, care about containing myself, bother about being “too much,” burden over not being enough, skepticism about surrendering it, worry what others might think of me,…
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National Poetry Month: Limerick for Alaina
I have a good friend named Alaina, Who has a passion to train ya, ‘Bout the foods you should eat, Having veggies before a treat, But if you mess up, she won’t blame ya! This poem was written on my drive to work this morning. Alaina had called first thing with an “alert situation” -…
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National Poetry Month: The Path
The trailhead opens wide before me, inviting. My path is uncertain, rocky at times, But beauty surrounds me, and I drink it in. I move forward, not knowing what lies ahead, For this is a new journey, though memories stir, One step at a time, the way reveals itself to me in its time. This…
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National Poetry Month: Woman
Moon marked and touched the sun, my magic is unwritten. I have been woman for a long time. I want to be so complete I could light a whole city. Take hold on the loam, Acquire the air. Phenomenally, Phenomenal woman, That’s me. This cento is made up of lines borrowed from the following poems,…
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National Poetry Month: Words Matter
Words matter, so please be direct, Words matter, they show your respect, Your words have the power to hurt or to heal, So please be mindful when you share how you feel. Words matter, they’re your responsibility, They show your character, so take accountability, Say what you mean and mean what you say, Align words…
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National Poetry Month: Camping
The roofnest opens With the old familiar woosh! Camping has begun. Time to unzip the windows, Air out the memory foam. Turn our attention to the site, Equipment everywhere, Up it goes! Unload the carefully packed Bins, organized by purpose. “I’m ready for s’mores!” I think, But it was out loud. “Me, too!” you exclaim.…
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National Poetry Month: Ode to an Omelette
Good morning! An omelette, please! I’d like it with only egg whites. Don’t fear! I’ll take it to new heights, Beginning with two kinds of cheese, That I’ll taste with every piece. Let’s stuff it with veggies galore, Mushrooms, spinach, onions and more! You think it’s a challenge to chew? Well, I’ve consumed more than…
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National Poetry Month-Scaffolding
Scaffolding, a Splint that Surrounds the Spire like a Satellite, for a Season, Stabilizing the Structure while it Strongly, then Somewhat, then Slightly Supports its Successful restoration. Surely we all need Someone and Something to See our cracks and weak Spots and Scale our Souls to give us Sustenance and the Strength to carry on…
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National Poetry Month: PASSION
The voice inside whispers of FEARthe thing that strangles and KILLSwhat we most want, the MOREwe are looking for. But what if our DREAMSwere more powerful THANour doubts so that FAILUREwas seen as nothing more than an EVERchanging challenge to our unstoppable WILL A Golden Shovel Poem
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National Poetry Month-Compassion Acrostic
Can we find a system that honors the needs of each and every One of us? A system whereby Mothers and fathers can take Parental leave to nurture our most precious ones; where adult children can Assist elderly parents through flexibility; where Sickness and treatments can be tended to without a leave. So also are…
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National Poetry Month-Beauty, a Cinquain
“Beauty,” She shared in class, “Is opportunity, To recreate our precious selves, Each day.” This poem is dedicated to Nancee.
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National Poetry Month-Touch (Rondine)
Touch-what our skin craves and our soul desires. When was the last time she had received it? It had been 20 years since my dad passed, Sure, there were hugs and kisses when greeting, But the youngest grandchild was all grown up, Leaving her lap barren for a decade, Touch. I often rubbed her arms,…
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National Poetry Month-Morning! (Cinquain)
Morning!Jolted awakeBy an incessant soundThat urges me to get moving.Five more?
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National Poetry Month-Pregnancy Haiku
Her belly grows round, Shelter to a new being, A lifegiving force.
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National Poetry Month-Spring (Roundel)
The thrushes all whistle their gladsome tune, As we emerge from Winter’s gloom. The blue jays join in with their mocking croon, As Spring is born from Nature’s womb. Bare bushes stand as if guarding a tomb, Sticks and leaves around them are strewn, Sensing that change is beginning to loom. The darkness comes, bringing…
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National Poetry Month-Beauty Cinquain
Beauty Not in her face, Not in her curves or shape, But in the way she radiates Pure joy
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National Poetry Month-Sunflower Haiku
Rises from dark Earth, Reaches boldly up to Sky, Turns her face to Sun.
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National Poetry Month-Broken Open Found Poem
The irony- Hiding the dark side Is not really a secret at all. How can it be? A laughable admission, A shadow self, Unmerciful thoughts, A longing for something, Vulnerable, insecure, In need of connection, Reassurance. A grave disservice. The door will open to your secret self- Face being human. Great Power, your Open Secret!…
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National Poetry Month-LOVE, Shaped Verse
Love Love C a n y o u d e f i n e i t? Is it a f e e l i n g o r e m o t i o n? Is it f o u n d d e e p in y o u r s o u l?…
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National Poetry Month-Caste Found Poem
Chapter 2: An Old House and an Infrared Light An invisible beam of light, Searching layers the eye could not see, An old house, its own kind of devotional, Flaws left unattended. Choose not to look at your own peril! Whatever you are ignoring, Will never go away, Whatever is lurking, Will fester. Ignorance is…
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National Poetry Month-Privilege
Enough! No more judgment, Or ignorant comments, To protect your privileged world. Accept! A Cinquain Poem
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National Poetry Month-My Daughters
I know my daughters are the very best of me my lessons on how to live free the perspective that helps me see Incredibly blessed to have three True Gifts This was supposed to be a Cinquain, but I messed up the number of lines, didn’t want to change it, and now it’s Free Verse!…
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National Poetry Month-Friendship
Sometimes friendship can be the buoy you cling to when the world looks out of focus to you A Cinquain Poem Photo: Henry and Spencer, 1.23.23. Flemington, NJ by LA
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National Poetry Month-The Day She Was Born
On the day she was born, I expected a boy, But as noon followed morn, This girl brought me joy! Everyone guessed a boy, But no matter-what love, I’d never known such joy, My gift from above! All that matters-what love! Now I am a mother, To this gift from above, This love like no…
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National Poetry Month-Recipe for Motherhood
4 heaping cups of Mama bear, lay down my life love 1 cup each of awe and inspiration, gratitude and joy 1/2 cup each of patience, empathy and compassion 3T each of structure, discipline and expectations Generously sprinkle in laughter and humor Fold in snuggles and hugs Remove any sense of having control (ever again!)…
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National Poetry Month-Writing Community
Our little community gathers, Most of us starting as strangers, Coming together for our own reasons, To write about our lives, loves, and loss. A byte poem has 140 characters or less, the original length of a tweet.
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National Poetry Month-Compassion
I am a sumptuous blanket, a cup of soothing tea, and a knowing smile. I’m right here. Feel my warmth around you, as you share the deep darkness, you’ve never wanted anyone to see. I’m right here. Feel my warmth inside you, filling your frigid places, your empty spaces, I’m right here. Feel my warmth…
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National Poetry Month-The ABC’s to a Better Me
All I want in life is waiting for me!Believing in a Higher Power gives me theCourage to face eachDay, knowing the Universe provides me withEverything I need toFlourish and thrive.Gone are the days of worry and control,Hoping toInfluence the outcome through power that isJust not mine. Instead, IKnow that myLife is unfolding as it should,…
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Their Anniversary in Heaven
Yesterday was my parents’ anniversary. Were they both alive, it would have been their 64th. My mom outlived my dad by 20 years, so this was their first anniversary reunited. I wondered a lot yesterday about what it would be like. I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of Heaven. I’ve always hoped there is…
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The Ladder
Women are… Our mothers, sisters, daughters, Grandmothers, aunts, nieces, Bosses, coworkers, employees, Lovers, friends, neighbors, Fellow humans. Not to be typecast, Pushed down or held back. Not to be manipulated, For another’s needs, Not to be objectified, For another’s pleasure, Not to be disrespected, For another’s amusement. Be careful the ones, You might think to…
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The Wrong Kind of Arms
As a schoolteacher, mother, citizen and human, my heart broke when I learned of the Tennessee school shooting last night. The fact that it took so long for the news to reach me seems to indicate just how common these tragedies have become. I ache for Evelyn, Hallie, William, Cynthia, Katherine and Mike and the…
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Self Trust
I can always trust myself. I know what is right for me, I can see the light, Though I may be swayed by fear, by doubt and critical messages. I am disheartened by my mistakes, But I acknowledge and accept them…and I move on. The support of others nurtures me, but I am my center;…
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The Tri
My first triathlon ever, and as day breaks, I’m both nervous and excited. I lay out my equipment for each stage of the course, Shorts and shirt, bike and helmet, towel, socks and sneakers. I shimmy into my wetsuit and strap on my ankle timer, Join my group at the water, ready for the signal,…
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The Universe Already Got There
Listening to a podcast* today, I heard the notion that there is nothing we can imagine, create, or experience that the Universe hasn’t already imagined, created or experienced. Poet Sarah Kay lamented that the Universe has already written the poem that you were going to write. I was mid-dip on the torturous dip/pullup machine at…
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Her Last Day
I can tell right away that things have changed, Something is different about her, Hazel eyes locked on the ceiling, She doesn’t even sense me, Shallow comes her breathing, Her arms reach straight up, Her lips-a smile, Unknown words, Eyes close, Sleep. An Etheree poem, starting at 10 syllables and working down to 1 Photo:…
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Anger
Surrender to your anger now, Bring it out and into the light, There’s no need to feel shame or fright, Your body knows exactly how To feel its force and feel its wow, Don’t contain it or push it down, Go ahead and let your fists pound, Feel out of control, but you’re not, Perhaps…
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False Self Becomes True
stress, anxiety, hypervigilance, surviving, people pleasing closed, critical, skeptical, fearful, intimidated holding tight, being strong, sarcastic false bravado, stiff upper lip fake, snarky, poser false self true self open, joyful, true peace, harmony, intuition balanced, vulnerable, equilibrium feeling, letting go, detaching, relaxing, being accepting, loving, trusting, honest, authentic, thriving At my writing workshop a few…
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Belonging
There is this thing that happens When I’m working with another teacher. The excitement builds, Our enthusiasm bursts forth, And the students delight. Infectious! We banter, add on, feed each other, Our thinking is pushed, our perspectives changed, Some ideas turned on their head. When this happens, I am home, In the sweet spot, In…
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Blush
One of my least appreciated natural tendencies growing up was my facial flush. Whenever I was called on, called out, or put in the spotlight, my face would turn bright red, getting increasingly darker as more eyes settled on me. The more I fought it, the darker it became. I wanted to sink into the…
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March Embodiment
My word of the year is EMBODIMENT and each month I try to let the word soak deeper into my being through reading, listening, and seeing where and how it resonates with me. I am enjoying savoring the word and its meaning in my life. For this month, I’ve been focusing on these questions as…
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Patterns
The regularity and repetition Of mustard and avocado colored squares adorning our kitchen wallpaper, Thin paper pinned to fabric for Mom to sew our matching mother daughter outfits, Rings hidden within tree trunks, the fur of our tiger cat, and the wings of a butterfly, Keys on the piano, the chorus of songs, the rhyming…
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Make Your Mess Your Message
That quote comes thirdhand from a podcaster* sharing the premise for another podcaster’s work. I heard it tonight while working out and it matched another quote from a previous podcaster talking about not saving your story until you reach the “Ta-da!” point. To me, the messy middle is why I write. I gain clarity and…
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Like It Was Yesterday
We sat across from each other, my old friend and I, the wrinkles and gray hair fading away. All I could see was her bright smile, permed mullet and twinkling eyes, as she settled herself on my dorm room bed to hear “the scoop!” Thirty four years had gone by, but it felt like yesterday.…
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Anxiety
A reaction To Conflict and Fear, To a lack of Control, To Problems we can’t solve. We Worry as though our knotted bellies Can change the Outcome. It is all Consuming, Overtaking our Bodies and Minds, Whispering “What if?” and “How could?” and “If only,” Bringing Emotional and Physical Stress. Step away from it now,…
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The Grandeur That Makes Us Insignificant
Today I read an excerpt of William Shatner’s memoir, Boldly Go in (gulp!) AARP magazine. In it, he wrote about how he thought his travel into space would be “the next beautiful step to understanding the harmony of the universe.” But it wasn’t. Instead, he felt grief. Shatner found that he much preferred the “entanglement”…
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Travel Lessons from the Dog Park
My dear friend and I took our two canines apiece to a dog park on several acres of land. Watching them enjoy the setting made me think of the lessons we as humans can take from their experience. 1. When you arrive somewhere new, get the lay of the land. It helps to climb a…
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Swan, A Found Poem
After reading “The White Flakes,” a Found Poem from Schindler’s List in which the author recasts a text as a poem, deleting words while keeping the important nouns and verbs to the best effect and choosing the lines and breaks, I decided to give it a try. Here is my attempt from a favorite childhood…
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Strength
I’ve been marinating two opposing thoughts recently. A friend said that she considers her difficult experiences in life blessings because they have made her who she is and given her strength. The other stated that you could “validate being strong, without suggesting being traumatized was worth it.” Nate Postlethwait via Twitter) I haven’t decided which…
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My Higher Power
In childhood, my belief in God was shaped by my parents and my church community. I attended Sunday School, listened to sermons, heard Bible stories. My understanding of faith was very black and white, boiled down in my mind to a set of rules to follow. Do that well, and God would be pleased, make…
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Cat Got Your Tongue?
I am randomly opening to pages of Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and reading a few entries at a time. Tonight’s made me laugh out loud with how I could relate! Deep Massage If I’m getting a massage and the massage therapist happens to be applying too much pressure, I find…
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My Birth Day
My birthday was last week, and over dinner a friend asked, “How was your first birthday without your mother?” So unexpected was the question; tears immediately filled my eyes. It was in that moment that I realized the source of my melancholy throughout the day. Could I celebrate a birthday if the woman who gave…
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Rebellion
I read this quote recently: “Rebellion is when you look society in the face and say, “I understand who you want me to be, but instead I will show you who I actually am.” As a life long rule follower (self conscious girl wanting to fit in, people pleasing daughter always seeking to earn my…
The Journey Inward 