image from google
Dust off this tattered old soul, and let it swoop one more time around the ceiling, reaching for those elusive words that catch in the dim corners. What can I do with the lives around me, all falling into crisis, but ride the inner tide of peace, dig my roots down deep along the river's edge, the better to remain steady for them when they reach out from the rushing current, in passing, nearly drowned, to grab my branches. The setting sun forms refracted rays through the forest, and paints the river silver, as day's end turns golden everything not in shadow. Let me bring you soft white cotton to dry your tear-streaked cheeks. Let me assure you that this calamity, too, will pass, and you will, one day, laugh in the sunshine again.
Kerry's intriguing prompt at Imaginary Gardens With Real Toads is Running With the Brush: to write a Zhuihitsu,(it sounds like a sneeze!)- a sort of prose poem from Japan. She mentioned the Kamakura period zuihitsu is rooted in Buddhist thought, containing the author's musings on the impermanence of the material world, and contains the feeling of randomness without being random. Well, this appealed to me, so I gave it a whirl.
Well, I'm not familiar with the form, but your words sure did capture me. I love the hope offered here, the calm serenity of your writing.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully done, Sherry. You captured the essence far better than I did, but at least I tried.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't find a linky thingy at Toads, however. I've got yours because you're in my blog list.
K
A very pretty and uplifting poem. k.
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful....how you find the inner-strength .....felt soothing...
ReplyDeletewishing you all the beat
ReplyDeleteAloha from Waikiki
Comfort Spiral
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Strong and comforting...and I agree, I think you nailed this assignment. :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent job Sherry. One to add to your collection of "Bests".
ReplyDeleteWonderful! I love all of the guided imagery...really beautiful~ :D
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely hard, amidst calamities, to realize that one WILL laugh again....eventually, especially when one is not thinking of laughter at all! Words well chosen here, Sherry.
ReplyDeleteDifficult and tiring to always be the rock / tree which everyone seems to grab onto so they don't go under but, what a rock / tree of strength you are. Roots that go deep into the ground and are a solid foundation-rock for them to try to lift themselves or, to rest within the safety of your sanctuary.
ReplyDeleteYou nailed the prompt Sherry :)
Wow.. Beautiful imaginary. Love it..
ReplyDeleteReading these words makes me feel deeply contented, Sherry. I could feel the goose bumps rising, and that is sure sign when words have reached beneath my skin and touched a chord. There is so much wisdom, compassion and appreciation here.. a gift, really, for your reader.
ReplyDeleteThank you, today and every day.
I agree so much with what Kerry has stated that I have a hard time to re-word it another way...I appreciate you so much Sherry...
ReplyDeleteI love this portion so much... " ride the inner tide of peace, dig my roots down deep along the river's edge," beautiful wise writing!
"reaching for those elusive words that catch in the dim corners" Yes, so fine--reaching but not panicking--"ride the inner tide of peace"--I am here you say, music to our souls. This is wonderful! The images take me in and even as the day ends, makes me think of sunshine! How about that!
ReplyDeleteWow, so many great random images, thoughts that seem incomplete but really are complete. Loved: "catching the dim corners."
ReplyDeleteA beautiful piece using the form. It is advice and hope we all can use. I am beginning to laugh again after the darkness of the last month. It is a blessing to fell joy return.
ReplyDeleteI love this, the hope at the end keeps bringing me back again and again.
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