I’ve been experimenting with short poems in order to capture the complexities of this season of life. Here are a few recent poems about what it’s like to watch my youngest turn into a toddler. She is weaned, and walking, and down to one nap, which means she’s doing many of the same things my oldest did right before she died of leukemia. The photo above shows both of my daughters around the same age at the same pumpkin patch. I’ve found just five lines of poetry a day help me validate my experience without needing to interpret it just yet. My poems have some lament, some humor, and some sci-fi? Because it’s wild times over here.
When the world stopped,
I forgot what it felt like to spin.
Now it spins again
and I feel more acutely
the cruelty of its stopping.
I’m watching the re-run of my life
as it airs live.
I am the audience
and the actor
at the same time.
My breasts are flat now.
No more milk for baby.
I’d buy a new bra
if I wasn’t so busy
pouring cow’s milk into toddler cups.
Try it! What five lines would you write for your life right now?
I am learning to see the beauty in poetry... thank you for sharing.
New memories
With silent tears
Healing balm of hope
In the laughter of the new
God holds them all.
Meaningful and beautiful words fro your heart.
Poetry is a form of healing and acceptance.
Thanks for sharing. The gals look like twins.
Julia is with us in spirit. You are blessed even in sorrow.
Hugs,
Cousin Soo-ling