A poem instead

I opted to read with my son instead of finishing my essay for the week.

Instead, and in honor of National Poetry Month, I’m sharing one of several poems I wrote during the pandemic that was inspired by a long walking conversation with a friend.

I have chosen this one in particular as I continue to navigate transition and anticipate the arrival of one of our earliest mountain wildflowers.

Melting snow beckons one of the first mountain wildflowers. The arrowleaf balsamroot are on their way!

Jumping Over Yellow Flowers

Head down, caught in the bustle
Long lists, bogged down in the hustle
Moments pass - blink after blink
Leaving little time to pause and think

Mild
Messy
Medium
Middle

Yet…

An unexpected wink catches the eye
Freedom to release a cleansing sigh

The wheel stops spinning
Time ceases to pull
Heart, Mind, Body - incredibly full

The colors of flowers
The scent of books
The beauty of pines
A cozy nook

Little bodies wiggling in bed
Flags on mailboxes, beacons ahead
That first sip of coffee
A story deeply read

Morning walks in a blustery land
A warm cup of tea held cupped in hand
Catching news fresh brought from school
The challenge of using a brand-new tool

A clever pun
An effortless run
Giggles that leak with abandon
Curve balls unpredictably random

In all of these moments, we seek out space

Listen
Learn
Love
Embrace

The joy of life’s wild grace

Next week, I’ll have some thoughts ready on the unexpected opportunities of parenting in our current age. Until then, read a poem, hug a friend and find yourself some wild grace.