Celebrated each year, today (21 March) is World Poetry Day. When I reflect on how many human beings there are in the world writing poems today, I feel both overwhelmed and humbled in our shared humanity and love for the lyrical word.
Writing poems can be transformative. It is a creative form that gives writers the ability to express deeply felt feelings, experiences and hopes in a sometimes hopeless world. Despite our uniqueness and the many divisions and disparities, much of what we feel and experience as being human is similar, especially our relationship with nature.
Sometimes the most uncomplicated poems can be the most effortless and turn out to be the most satisfying to craft. Below is my simple poem for today and above my recent collage painting.
Today
Today I watched a woodpecker drilling the trunk of a birch tree.
When he saw me, he hopped among the branches and in a red flash, flew away.Â
Today I met with a friend whom I love for the man he is becoming. Â
Today I drew a picture of my brain and was amazed by its complexity.
I marvelled at its intricacy, its many pathways and infinite potential.Â
Today I ate a bowl of frozen cherries, their icy form a balm for my rasping throat.
Today I listened to a broken man who believes in assisted dying.
When I offered him my fear, I discovered a wall between us.
Today I discovered I can be brave to reach out my hand to a stranger.
Today I realised I can accept loss and be comfortable with what is.
I know I am enough for myself, that it’s all I have and that is ok.
Today I heard a woodpecker drumming. Today my spirit soared.
LyndyH 