Here is a space for us to share with poetry, song, images and prose, our somewhat battered hearts. In creative expression, healing begins. Like setting free caged birds, we can release to the universe our deepest fears and our moments of connection, choosing words worthy of our feelings. I offer the first poem, one written to explain how a soldier found his way home after World War I-writing a journal in the loft of a barn (look for it in my novel, The Way Back). He came to hide from memories of war, but in this cathedral space, he stormed heaven’s gate and emerged victorious. I call it
The Altar
So tired from dragging my memories,
Like heavy stones weighing me down,
I came to hide and warm the small thing I call my self
In the loft of the barn
In this high place
I observed life- going on without me
Safe while I tried to bury my secret sack of rocks
dark stones stained with blood and tears
in the sweet hay smelling of my youth.
But like an avalanche, they rolled out unbidden
into the strange light of this cathedral
to be tumbled into gems
that I polished into words
An offering for the tabernacle
on the altar of the barn.
Nothing lasts they tell me.
People move on, boards and beams decay
But the words I’ve chosen, symbols of my meaning
Are released as am I.
Free to create as the winds of change blow through me
And to give it all away again, keeping nothing.
Larger, ever larger as the “I” melts away like a dying ember,
Consumed in living
Photo by Raymond Lam
Congrats, Sue! I’d sure like to hear you describe the process of writing your book on this blog. What you’re learning, what you hate and love about it all. Onward!
Hi PJ:
I am finally replying. But from now on, I will use the opportunity.
Thanks So Much,
Sue
Beautiful poem, Sue. Glad to see you have your site up and running. Can’t wait for more posts.
Hi Linda:
A year late and many dollars short, but I promise to do better!
Love,
Sue
Beautiful poem, Sue, so full of meaning and humanity. Tender. Like you – a champion.
Thanks Myrna:
sorry to have taken so long. the learning curve sort of did me in (I lost it on the curve).
I will do better when I learn to drive!
Sue
Susan you are such a storyteller in words and pictures alike. I love to read and listen to your poetry and it is great to see your Blog. I will visit often. Congrats’ to us all for your gifts!!
Rubye:
You and I have lived just long enough to have stories to swap!!!!!!
What fun!
Love,
Sue
Sue, my congrats also. My g-granddaughter loved your Champion. I need to contact you. Your e-mmail is lost. Bette
Bette:
I love your new column. thanks-sorry to take so long and I will do much better I promise!
Sue