Happy Poetry Friday! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.)
Well, it’s been quite a week. Last weekend, we went to Madison, WI, to attend a drive-up bridal shower and visit in a safe way with our older daughter, whom we haven’t seen in person in three months. It was different, but wonderful. But then on the drive back to Minnesota, I got a phone call that one of my sisters down in Florida was taken into emergency surgery and in a precarious medical state. Emotional roller coaster days, and I am trying to just stay afloat.
So here’s a Poem of Presence (this month’s Ditty of the Month Challenge from Margaret Simon at Michelle H. Barnes’ blog). Two of my favorite poetry people! I wrote this one before all the emotional tumult began, but finding small moments like this is what keeps me going.
Here’s another one from last week.
I guess not all the moments I’m being present in are happy ones.
And for lots of wonderful (and probably cheerier) poetry, don’t miss the Poetry Friday Roundup with poet-educator Carol Varsalona at Beyond LiteracyLink! She is such an advocate for poetry–especially nature poetry and imagepoems!
18 Responses
Big hugs, Laura. I’m sorry for all this anxiety — and especially at this difficult time! I will be praying for you and your sister. Your poetry is beautiful — as always. xx
Oh, Laura, your trio of poems captures such a spectrum of highs and lows. I’m so sorry for your sister’s medical issues and hope that every day brings better news. It feels like everything is exaggerated during this time, and worries and sorrow take on additional weight. My thoughts are with you and I hope that moments like those with your fuschia bring some brightness to your days.
Laura, what emotions to surf right now! I’m so sorry you are far from your sister at this time. Prayers for recovery and for solid information for you and your family along with creative ways for visits. It’s such a terrible time to have to be in a hospital. I stand with you with the watering can admiring that light.
Staying afloat is a worthy goal. I hope your sister recovers well. I ♥️ that you are ready with the watering can, and making the best of now with tacos :-).
I’m sorry to hear about your sister. What awful news. I hope she recovers soon and glad you can write and share these poems that inspire us all.
Laura, I’m sorry for your difficult week. Prayers for your sister. Bright Star is a beautiful poem. Thank you.
I’m so glad you shared these poems of presence today, Laura. I especially love “Bright Star”—there’s something about that last line that I find so grounding and comforting. It’s no surprise, of course, that “Never Thought” is heartbreaking. The roller coaster you’ve been living on has been testing your endurance for some time now. Continuing to hold your sister, and all of you, in my heart.
I have loved your poems, Laura, & the final one is new to me. I’ve been thinking of you & your sister, hoping she is some better each day. I know it must be hard to be so far away, too. Hugs again for you and your family.
Goodness, Laura, I am sending light and love to you and your sister. Thank you for sharing these poems during your tumult. I hope this community gives you comfort. I can relate to the line “the trip that will not be” — we’ve cancelled 3 trips so far…
Lara: I am so sorry for this heavy news about your sister. I send my best wishes for you as you ride this roller coaster, and for her recovery. Your presence poems are wonderful… thanks for sharing these special moments.
Thanks for the lovely shoutout, Laura. I appreciate it. Your moments of presence led you to some beautiful poetry. I loved the idea of a drive-up bridal shower-creatively clever in these trying times. Now talking about these times, I am so sorry that your sister was rushed to the hospital and is ill. Your poem reflects your sadness so I lift up a prayer for your family. Peace to you, my friend.
Dear Laura, why would any of our poems of presence be 100% cheery? The whole point (for me anyway) is that we are all trying to experience the moment we are in, rather than yearning for the “normal” past or worrying about the unimaginable future. Yet, being human, we can’t help that, and in come past and future into our poems of presence, even when we try to focus on the fuchsia.
I hope your sister is stable and that your family continues to hang tight together. See you on Twitter! : )
Oh, Laura, prayers for your sister. These poems of presence, more than any other poems I’ve read by you, truly capture you as well as the moment. You stand by with the watering can for all you care about, your daughter, your sister, and us. Hugs!
Sorry for the worrisome week. Hope your sister recovers soon. Your last poem is so poignant. Thanks for sharing all.
Laura, your poems are, as always, beautiful. My thoughts are with you and your sister. Such a tough time for you xx
“Never Thought,” such a powerful and emotive poem. Thanks for sharing it with us along with your readied “watering can,” and staying in the moment with “tacos.” Sending my thoughts and hugs to you, and hope for your sister, xo.
I’ve been thinking about you and your family this week, Laura. I hope the roller coaster ride slows down a wee bit for all of you. Sending my best. xx Christie
A rollercoaster indeed! Sending long-distance hugs.