When the world feels so dark,
caving in with relentless bad news,
for that is what lifts the ratings
and increases revenues,
but at what cost?
It’s then that I shut the news down,
and walk away from doom scrolling,
turning to the communities that
refresh my soul and hold me in safety.
When I open the door to my people,
whether online or in person,
I feel peace settle over my heart
as I take in all those beautiful faces,
their love washing over me.
The vitriol of society is forbidden entrance,
as those who want to bring light gather.
Each circle that I’ve joined has changed me for the better,
providing hope that when we unite with the intention
of love and support, we can truly be our better angels.
Category: Finding Serenity
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How Community Heals the Soul
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Because Everything Falls Away
In a finite world where I’m here but for a moment,
I savor the first bite of toast with homemade blueberry jam
and the spicy warmth of my morning chai
as I break the fast of sleep.
I savor my family, those who are still with me,
and those who I carry in my heart and memories.
I savor my friends, who walk with me through all
of the seasons of life.
Their friendship is the balm for my soul,
A place where I can be my genuine self, sharing laughter,
tears and deep conversations.
I savor the warmth of arms that envelope me in a hug,
reminding me that I am loved.
I savor nature’s beauty: the hummingbird, the bee,
and the butterfly as they alight from flower to flower,
refreshed by its nectar.
I savor breathing in the air as I amble along
the garden path or among the tall pines,
a place where deep serenity abides.
I savor the beauty of the sky as it shakes off the blue of the day,
and dresses in its pastel finery
before slipping away below the horizon.
I savor the quiet moments tucked up with a book,
as I’m spirited away to another time and place,
freed from the worries of the world.
At the end of the day, when my body and mind are weary,
I savor slipping into the comfort of my bed,
pulling the covers tightly around me,
slipping away to the nighttime cinema. -
In the Arms of a Tree
I sink down on the stone bench
And let the tree envelope me in her arms.
Its limbs reach out in all directions
Providing me space to drop the weight that I’m carrying
With the promise that they will protect me.I close my eyes, and breathe deeply,
As my body releases its tension,
Allowing my ears to be my guide
To the message that nature needs to impart
As I take a break from the world.The water falls from the small fountain
With its steady trickle
Drip, drip, dripping a rhythmic beat
Into the pond below.The birds provide the choir
As they call each other.
Each sings their own tune,
Whistling and trilling as they look for their mate
Or for the joy of being alive.The shuffling of feet along the path
As people wander back and forth in this alcove
Provides a steady hum of life.
Voices muted as they take in the beauty that surrounds them.
Overhead, planes fly unaware of the quietude below.This tree is my haven,
A steadfast presence no matter what is going on
In the world or my head.
It’s rooted in my consciousness, bringing me calmEven when I’m not in its presence.
I’m transported to this tree in my mind’s eye.
My breathing quiets
And I find my serenity again.
Beautiful Bittersweet Life Poems 