Oh Holly there is so much beauty in your words. The nuanced noticing (three freckles) and the hope (planting milkweed for monarchs) nestled in among the fears of life. How we hold the weight of both. Your words gave them gravity. Love this.
Yes! For me, at this certain age, and in the larger view, the political and ecological climate surely cause the illusion of being in control to begin to crumble and fall away. Sad.
i’ve been out of commission—pain level 10 even with major opioids and Valium—cervical nerve pain running down my dominant left arm. Can’r paint, can only dictate poems but the pain simply emptied me of words. I’ve only written a couple of poems in the last 16 days and only about pain. Thank heavens I was about 3 weeks of poems ahead. I try to do that because of unexpected happenings like this. Cervical radiculopathy—what a name. Epidural injection yesterday morning, already cutting drugs in half, pain drop from 10 to 1+. My miracle of a pain specialist, I bow at her feet. Now MRI of L4/L5 Monday evening, most likely same deal. Life’s whammy, all at once. But my spirit, my spirit is just fine, if a bit loopy. Sending love, Amrita
I am so honored to get a “good grief, that was good” comment from you. I am so sorry to hear the details of your pain and thankful that the cortisone shot is working. What a blessing!! Disc and nerve pain is horrible. I hope you continue to get relief 💛💛💛
Thank you Mare for your generous words; I was trying to show there are more questions swirling and occasional interruptions. And I too am thankful that last line came to me as it did 🌻🌻🌻
Your poem merits a discussion. I am new here and learning the best way to respond to poetry. I hate to just say, I like it. Telling what thoughts came up to me on a few lines seems to be the best way to react. I was a worrier and over-thinker. He did die before me. He was beautiful. Why wouldn't we fret when the possibility is there?
I so appreciate you engaging with the content of my poem. I am sorry for your loss. You ask a good question and I don’t know how to “not worry”. I have reasons as I am sure you did. I think my poem is asking a question of who is endangered- the one I worry about or myself, sitting inside worrying. And the antidote to worry is hinted at in the three freckles on our husky’s nose. So I guess love is why I worry and loving my life/family breaks through the worry.
Oh, you are so right! It is love that breaks your heart. Do you mind saying why you are worried? Just say what feels right to you. I don't mean to pry.
Oh Holly there is so much beauty in your words. The nuanced noticing (three freckles) and the hope (planting milkweed for monarchs) nestled in among the fears of life. How we hold the weight of both. Your words gave them gravity. Love this.
Thank you Alegria for your generous and kind words. They mean a lot, especially when writing from the heart 💛🙏💛
My pleasure Holly. I know what you mean about writing from the heart. 💕
The pain of worry. The balm of loving attention. Beautiful poem. ❤️
Thank you Debora 💛🙏💛
A powerful ending, Holly.
Thank you so much Grant 💛. Good to see you online; I hope you are doing well!
Oh Holly, I have the same thoughts and questions! Why?
Love, I think and not being in control
Yes! For me, at this certain age, and in the larger view, the political and ecological climate surely cause the illusion of being in control to begin to crumble and fall away. Sad.
What an honest poems written with such beauty, Holly. That's the fear - that our loved ones will die before us.
Thank you sweet friend and perhaps it’s not just me 💛🥲💛
Good grief, Holly, this is simply gorgeous.
i’ve been out of commission—pain level 10 even with major opioids and Valium—cervical nerve pain running down my dominant left arm. Can’r paint, can only dictate poems but the pain simply emptied me of words. I’ve only written a couple of poems in the last 16 days and only about pain. Thank heavens I was about 3 weeks of poems ahead. I try to do that because of unexpected happenings like this. Cervical radiculopathy—what a name. Epidural injection yesterday morning, already cutting drugs in half, pain drop from 10 to 1+. My miracle of a pain specialist, I bow at her feet. Now MRI of L4/L5 Monday evening, most likely same deal. Life’s whammy, all at once. But my spirit, my spirit is just fine, if a bit loopy. Sending love, Amrita
I am so honored to get a “good grief, that was good” comment from you. I am so sorry to hear the details of your pain and thankful that the cortisone shot is working. What a blessing!! Disc and nerve pain is horrible. I hope you continue to get relief 💛💛💛
I like how you catch the continuous rhythm of worry. It is a load to "pack", isn't it?
And the ending shines hope if you/she/we can stay in the moment and not worry.
"while I hold my breath, you plant milkweed for the monarchs"
Thank you Mare for your generous words; I was trying to show there are more questions swirling and occasional interruptions. And I too am thankful that last line came to me as it did 🌻🌻🌻
Your poem merits a discussion. I am new here and learning the best way to respond to poetry. I hate to just say, I like it. Telling what thoughts came up to me on a few lines seems to be the best way to react. I was a worrier and over-thinker. He did die before me. He was beautiful. Why wouldn't we fret when the possibility is there?
I so appreciate you engaging with the content of my poem. I am sorry for your loss. You ask a good question and I don’t know how to “not worry”. I have reasons as I am sure you did. I think my poem is asking a question of who is endangered- the one I worry about or myself, sitting inside worrying. And the antidote to worry is hinted at in the three freckles on our husky’s nose. So I guess love is why I worry and loving my life/family breaks through the worry.
Oh, you are so right! It is love that breaks your heart. Do you mind saying why you are worried? Just say what feels right to you. I don't mean to pry.
Health related
Yours?
Excellent !
Thank you Sheri 💛
🌻🥰😎
Thank you J Altazar for restacking 🌻🌻🌻