every single day

I don't know how I'm going to do it.

I've been saying that every year for the past seven (now eight) years of participating in the Slice of Life Story Challenge. Yet this year, it seems even more true than ever before because I haven't been writing like I normally do, like not even close to half of what I normally do. And I can't stand it. I can't even go into the why of it all actually, so it's even more problematic!

But here we are, starting an every-single-day writing challenge I've been doing since 2012, and I just don't want to stop. Some of my best writing comes from these days where I don't know what to write or how I will write. I just write and keep going, and it shows me I can write so much. I can do this thing.

I am afraid I might forget to write too. There have been issues with my memory, which will explain partly why I haven't been writing as much, but I am going to set alarms on my phone, I think, because this experience is valuable to me, and I want to see if I can do it even with all the obstacles.

I don't know how well I'll do this year since I have been slacking off so badly, but here goes nothing…

consideration

It is something special to be thought of and considered by the people around us. There is truly nothing like it as it warms the heart and soul of the giver and receiver. It is proof of care.  

Simplicity is the key, I believe. Just setting aside some time—even a few seconds. Sharing a moment in a hug or a knowing glance. A text or phone call. Carving out time for someone. There is so much friendship in these acts of remembering. The trajectory of an entire day or week can be changed by taking time for others. I know my life is made bearable by the thoughtfulness others show to me. 

Taking time to just write about consideration has been hard for me today because I have been so busy and exhausted, but I am glad I took a moment for this. I don't want the feeling to pass without acknowledging this gift I receive more often than I can keep track of. 

what I notice

Letting myself feel again 

To think and feel and dream again

Takes me to the edge of the ledge 

Of love and adoration

And I can hardly breathe 

For the air is thin up here

I forgot how affection can 

And does

Take your breath away

I almost forgot how to let myself 

Be cared about with earnestness

Sincerity comes in many forms

But gladly given affection is 

The silver lining, the cherry on top, treasure untold

I notice how my heart is happier

Now that you are where you are

Close to me, even closer than before

And flowers seem to be blooming 

Even in winter, in spite of winter, smiling

All around me 

I see the world with a warmth

I nearly forgot how to see

Because of you, dear 

I notice how even friendship can be

And is quite 

Delicious to me

I notice you noticing me

And I adore it 

poetry top ten 2018

Every year, I round up all the stats for what you, my wonderful readership, have enjoyed the most throughout the previous year. And, every year, it brings me such surprise. Some poems were absolutely taxing to write, yet I felt as if I needed to put forth the effort, and then I see how it reaches some people, and I understand why. Something I loved about this year is that a haiku made it in. So wonderful.

As always, I am thankful for you. Having readers who support my writing proves to me that poetry is not dead no matter what some people might say. I look forward to sharing more of my inspiration with you in this new year, 2019.

Enjoy!

Top Ten Poems for 2018:

1. Lost

2. The Crack of Noon

3. Let's See

4. A West Texas Boy

5. Where I Live Now

6. Their Love

7. Never Thought

8. Treasured Relics

9. A Piece of Peace

10. slipped


Honorable Mention: Elegant Warrior

grief bonding

Grasping for words, I call it grief bonding for lack of a better term, so if anyone reading this has something better, please let me know.

I'm talking about that friendship, kinship, and even love that grows between even strangers when coming together to grieve the passing of someone's loved one. It doesn't even have to be your own family or friend who has died, really, if you are grieving for a friend's loss. Mourning is not exclusionary.

Last week, I went to a friend's mother's funeral. I didn't know her, but I wanted to show support to my friend as I understand too well how difficult it is to lose your mother. It's taken a very long time for me to understand my grief, but as I have, I try even more to reach out to help anyone whose parents pass away. As I listened to the tributes and music, I became aware of the similarities in our mothers, and I grew to love someone I won't ever meet.

I also began to contemplate what others might say of me when I die. That's possibly something everyone has considered. Have you? Or maybe I'm weird? But seriously, I wonder.

The experience has left me with much to think about and a new layer of love in my heart for my friend.