I thought life was a play,
with the script composed
for the role I was to inhabit.
Designated stage directions
were set for me to follow
for my life to work out seamlessly.
All that was required was for me to
hit my assigned marks:
education, career, marriage, children,
for the production to be a success.
But others refused to
perform their parts,
changing the scene,
or departing before the play was finished,
leaving me floundering
on the boards, alone.
It took time for me to realize
that life had always been improv:
unscripted, hard turns, unpredictable.
I never had control of the narrative,
which caused needless suffering
in the light of the pain that is a part of existing.
Until I let go of demanding that my life
followed a script was I truly free
to find joy in the unknowing.
It taught me that every moment
was saying “yes, and” to whatever entered my life.
Category: Saying Yes to Life
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Life’s Unscripted Journey
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A Garden Meditation
Walking along the garden path,
wrapped in the warm spring breeze
and anointed by the sweet nectar
of flowers that are on display
with their dazzling colors
begging me to draw nearer
as the bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
feast on the seasonal harvest.
The birds, often hidden from view,
rejoice in song from bushes, trees, and cacti,
calling out to each other,
as they embrace the warmth of the sun
and the mating rituals of spring.
I breathe deeply all the gifts
that have been given to me
on this perfect day.
Not clutching the joy that I have received,
but treasuring this present moment of being alive. -
Meet Me Under The Blood Moon
For Mike
I wrestled the camera onto the tripod,
preparing for the appearance of the blood red moon.
I traipsed in and out of the house,
making sure the camera base fit tightly to the stand,
gathering extra batteries so I could capture the moment
and adding layers of clothing
to keep me warm from the bitter night air.
Finally, everything was set,
and I could enjoy the celestial drama.What I found as I tilted my head upwards in between shots
was a wave of peace washing over me.
On this day when you died thirteen years ago
you felt so close in this otherworldly expanse of time and space.
As the red shadow floated next to the dazzling moon
it was like we were dancing in the sky.
And though I can no longer feel your arms around me
or hear you speak my name,
at that moment, I knew that you were somewhere,
just out of reach, watching over me from another horizon. -
Sweet Beginnings
For Jesse
How wondrous the light of love
that shines from the eyes of a new parent as they gaze upon the new life that
they hold close to their heart.
A gift created by the deep love they have for each other.
This sweet little person,
the picture of perfection,
with their cute little toes and fingers,
and their adorable face,
possesses the power to mesmerize,
even in those early sleep deprived days.
For time slows down as the world
continues its hurried pace.
For this moment in time,
the only thing that matters
is the beginning of a lifelong love story -
How Community Heals the Soul
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.
Beautiful Bittersweet Life Poems 