Beautiful Bittersweet Life Poems

Exploring the world of life and grief through poetry.

Tag: community

  • Friend, Mate, Amiga: Reflections On Friendship

    Friend, Mate, Amiga: Reflections On Friendship

    For Nancy

    I greet you with, “Hello, friend,”
    a sacred salutation of recognition
    of the deep connection that we share.
    For it is in this space that we are united
    by a bond deeper than blood.
    For we choose each other
    to share this short time on the planet.
    We’ve shared so much over the years
    that the depth of our laughter flows
    from the earth in a cascade of water
    rushing downstream in wild abandon.
    Our hearts find comfort and safety
    in each other’s company
    when they’ve been shattered
    by the sorrow that comes from living and loving.
    As the seasons of our life continue to change,
    and we face new challenges,
    I’m grateful for the solace I’ve found
    knowing that we traverse this road together.
    Although we live far apart from each other,
    when I hear your voice,
    I will always feel that you are just around the corner.

    Best Friends Forever
  • How Community Heals the Soul

    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.

  • On Being a Citizen

    On Being a Citizen

    I carry the torch of my immigrant grandmother
    in my soul as the guiding light of what it means
    to be a citizen of a country that gave her so much
    which she passed on to the generations that followed.
    She knew the value of hard work and community,
    that we are stronger together. Welcoming all,
    for the quilt is made beautiful by the diversity
    of the pieces that are sewn together.
    It’s the hope I find when society bands together,
    Looking to ease people’s suffering,
    as witnessed in the LA fires.
    My dream for my country is that we
    can harness that energy not only in times
    of natural disasters, but in daily living.
    To truly see that my neighbor
    is every person that I meet.
    Citizenship means standing up for what I believe in,
    making my voice heard,
    especially when it’s not comfortable,
    knowing that freedom for all comes at a price.
    So, I hope for the strength to do what is right
    when it is easier to sit on the sidelines.