Bravery

Welcome to the third installment of the field guide poems,

inspired by Christina Rosalie's book a field guide to NOW.

bravery

bravery is not running away from this

bravery is allowing the waves to rise

and trusting that I will not drown

bravery is making friends with fear

inviting fear to sit down

and have a cup of coffee

as I would a friend

and asking

tell me,

what is up with you today?

tell me your story

I am ready to listen

and not flinching

when it's raw and painful

but remaining open

compassion in my eyes

and love in my heart

that is bravery

 

Becoming

Welcome to the second installment

in a new series of poems and art 

inspired by Christina Rosalie's book a field guide to NOW.

She says
Who are you
when you slip from 
the scant shirt of definition?

I am a shadow
reaching toward the light
like a lover
seeking illumination

I am a wound
trying to heal
skin stitching itself together
raw and open
vulnerable to infection

I am a collection of contradictions
a confusing mass
 of oxymorons

I am an endless labyrinth
full of mysteries
and paths that lead
 to nowhere

I am a blooming flower
settling into my roots
reaching toward the sun

the field guide poems

Welcome to a new series of poems and art 

inspired by Christina Rosalie's book a field guide to NOW.

Pay attention, she says.

Why are you here today?

I am here to heal.

I am here to love myself

and my family.

I am here to spread kindness.

I am here to remember how 

to be present in this moment.

I am here to learn to accept

whatever this moment holds

with grace.

I am here to make art of my life.

I am here to raise two little boys 

who need me.

I am here to be a friend.

I am here to learn to accept myself

for everything that I am

and everything that I am not.

I am here to sing.

I am here to dance

barefoot in my kitchen.

I am here to give great hugs.

I am here to be vulnerable

and authentic.