poetry in every moment {poetry thursday}
When I told people I was going to give a presentation about journaling as a practice earlier this year, so many people were quick to say to me, “I don’t journal” or “I hate journaling” and so on (not you bloggers, those other people). When I asked them why, many said, “because I have nothing of any importance to say” or something similar.
Poetry can invite some related insecurities, “I don’t understand it” and “I don’t know what I would write.” In noticing the moments of poetry in my life, I begin to feel confidence to find the words, to write a poem.
A few moments of poetry in my week:
Standing in the bathroom, I lean against the counter eye-to-eye with me. The continued awareness that I greet an old friend. I am not afraid.
Millie watches every move my husband makes. He turns the page of the newspaper, he scratches his head, brings his mug of tea to his lips, she is there with every movement. I wonder what she thinks, hopes, “will this movement bring dinner?”
Closing my eyes and losing myself, just for a moment, in the music of Loreena McKennitt. While listening I imagine myself in a long flowing skirt of layers and layers of fabric, flowers in my hair, spinning in circles and dancing beneath a huge, full moon while women play the drums and other instruments in celebration.
Observing the interactions between a mother and son. Though he is an adult, there is still the expectation between them that she does and he lets her.
An argument with my husband about the way he cooked dinner for us after I get home from yoga class. I wonder if I am the same person who gently leads my class through pose after pose to remind them who they are, who can then come home and expect perfection for dinner.
Resting my head back in the basin at the beauty salon while the color seeps into my hair, I close my eyes and just listen to all the voices around me.
I walk through the house and light candle after candle.
For the second time in two weeks a woman reminds me of my life’s path. And this time I listen.
I am crabby and still in my pajamas at 1:00 in the afternoon because the work has piled up and it feels like it has taken over my life. I am becoming my parents.
A friend gives me a glimpse into her experiences, her journey. I listen and nod. The gift of the opportunity to understand.
My foot leans into the pedal as I move the fabric through the foot of the machine. Feeling the rhythm, what was once only in my mind is now a reality.
I look in the mirror and giggle. Wearing my hanky pankies, my silk camisole, my cardigan, and a flower in my hair. I am a redhead!
poetry
Reader Comments (18)
Your quiet reflections of moment-by-moment poetry were lovely...when you wrote of the argument with your husband, I sort of sat up in my chair b/c just this week I was thinking to myself "how can the woman who will endlessly absorb the complaints of dozens of students...all of that negativity...then come home and not be able to do the same with the family she loves?" And, a redhead, you go!!!
i really appreciated this post. i loved how you found poetry in EVERY moment.
i wanted to tell you that doing the mirror meditation with you in the summer has inspired me to do another one - a full-length, accept-my-whole-body one. i'm not sure for how long considering i don't have the mirror yet, but i never would have got the idea in the first place if it wasn't for you. :) thank you.
and how we need to get outside ourselves, every day - i so get that. i spend so much of my time, as a student, in my home, in my mind, that i need to remember this.
will you post a picture of yourself as a redhead? i think you'll look fabulous!!
I noticed that my heart slowed down considerably as I read your post - It's enchanting, the music and cadence of your words. I can almost feel you breathing. I love the images conjured by "listening, candles, and color seeping."
Thank you.
speaking as someone who also knows
the isolation of working at home
as well as the goodness of it...
i hear your words.
this was beautiful, liz,
in a slow down and enjoy the words
kind of way...
:)
I loved these glimpses, these moments, these lines from the poem that is your life.... especially that skirt, the dancing, the flower in your hair.... in your RED hair! Lovely.
i loved these priceless glimpses of your day...and you can call me naive too but i also believe poetry is everywhere...we just have to look...
PS....waiting to see your lovely new red locks!!
I tried that pumpkin latte this week and I don't even usually like pumpkin flavor but that is one good cuppa, you were right. In fact, I was thinking of leaving for work early today so I can stop at starcrack for another one. Except than I'd kill everyone with my coffee breath so I'll wait until this weekend.
I am a bit speechless; you captured so many ordinary moments and made them pure magic. Thank you for offering this perpective to us. It has made me think today. I will make more of an effort to see the poetry in my daily moments.
P.S. Red is Hot!!!!! :-)
There is a certain something special about these moments that you have captured that dazzles me and brightens my day. Maybe it's the idea of you with red hair in your pajamas that makes me smile knowning I am not the only one working from home, reluctant to get dressed and yet knowing I need to get up and go outside --- if even just to Starbucks!
i love this.... two things come to mind: 1) what the heck are hanky pankies? and 2) why doesn't my local Starbucks sell pumpkin lattes?
;-)
really enjoy your new icon!
I love pumpkin lattes, Lorena McKennit, AND walks. All of these things are ways to spoil myself and make me feel happy.
You tell us you're a redhead and then don't share a photo?? You, my dear, are a tease! ;-)
Liz thank you for the lovely reminder that it is the everyday small seemingly unimportant things that are the real poetry that runs through our lives..thank you for that..m
well I'll repeat both of Susannah's questions - and add my own re-inforcing the general curiosty of your commenters- when do we get to see you as a redhead?!!!
p.s. love your portrait below -utterly ethereal and lovely
poetry in front of us..two words...hanky pankies.
seriously..can you move to my town...so we can be friends?
You are a great tease Liz:)
And a sexy red headed one at that! LOL. Your hair looks so shiny and divine in that photo.
I too found my breathing and heart slow as I read this-there is a sense of what you must do in your classes here. You have a talent for relaxing me. I love that..,...
and I love those pumpkin latte's. I finally got to try one and it was delish.
Your fab sweetheart-just fab.
Love you