TJM's Poetry Place

Note: I am not a therapist. I am sharing from my personal journey. Take what works for you and leave the rest behind.

Knowing what’s to come means looking at where you have been. Not living in or blaming the past, recognizing it for what it was, what it wasn’t, and the lessons learned along the way. How does that help know what comes next?

Understanding the underlying emotions of the past helps you recognize what you don’t want to do in the future. For me it means putting away feelings of self-doubt, letting go of anger, and learning to forgive myself and others. It doesn’t mean I won’t give acknowledgement to the pain and loneliness I felt, or the shame and guilt I harbored. I just won’t live with them anymore.

As I continue to write my poetry is shifting. I see more colors in the imagery, more joy. Below is a piece from my soon to be released collection. A piece filled with less pain and more acceptance of the light and joy that can be found in the dark.

What’s next is breaking away from the fear of sharing my work beyond a classroom or family setting. Release my words to the general public for perusal and judgement. Hard for anyone to do. I am nervous and looking forward to sharing and seeing where this new path leads. Flying on the wind with words of light.

Nighttime Serenade

Barren trees inked black against pink and blue

sugared wisps

  cotton candy skies.

Closing sun dips low, bringing night to life.

Mouse and hare rush home to sleep

eagle and raven their sentry keep.

While tuberose and moonflower

stretch

straining

for the sky.

Darkness does not bother them,

moonlight captures their delight

Angel’s trumpet and jasmine

fragrance permeates the air.

Delicate sweet blossoms laughing everywhere.

Selene calls out her welcome

as she rides across the sky.

Crickets strum a chipper tune; wind picks up their serenade

as darkness settles down.

Squirrels and chipmunks cease their play

slumbering to the sounds.

Night’s balance goes unbroken

days circle starts anew.

Morning glory break their fast with early morning dew.

Everything is changing, yet,

only stays the same.