I myself, in keeping with this "being enough" thing, have selected the prompt that goes with our Yuletide gift of the human spirit for December 30, wisdom. We light the 10th candle, dark blue, and say, "Midnight blue is for wisdom, the understanding that comes with age, trial and experience."
I've gone for a golden shovel, and I guess I'm hoping that Himself won't read the blog this week. (If you do, DD, forgive me as I forgive you for making me the person I am today. **hugs!**)
Aging in Place
Long after midnight
flashing red burns blaring over his blue.
This is panic, not peace; it is
no substitute for
wisdom.
His edges are blurred but not soft. The
lengthy predawn texts bring understanding:
that
for some, more of the same comes
with
age,
that what was always a trial is still a trial,
and
Catherine Flynn @ Reading to the Core, who needs a bye this month
Molly Hogan @ Nix the Comfort Zone
Linda Mitchell @ A Word Edgewise
Margaret Simon @ Reflections on the Teche
"What was always a trial is still a trial." Yep, that's often my experience! Love the poem. Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! Thanks for the prompts, Heidi, you always get me writing in new ways. Being enough is a life lesson that lasts years and years, for me anyway.
ReplyDeleteYes to your continued commitment to "be enough" AND yes to mixing up our challenge schedule. Put that on the agenda.
ReplyDeleteI feel that I learned some of your words about "a trial" through teaching, Heidi, and that means people, varied in every way, each one with unique needs (& responses). It takes a long time of thinking to "be enough"! Your thoughtful poem could be a billboard! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI have to comment as anonymous but it’s really me, Margaret. I love your tradition and how it led to such a profound poem. Enough was my word a few years ago back but it’s still (my new word) with me when I need it. You are being enough for your family. Valuable and needed.
ReplyDelete"To be enough" or "You're enough" is a great commitment, Heidi. I love the choice of prompts. And your Golden Shovel is poignant. This is Jone in case it publishes anonymously
ReplyDeleteThis poem resonated-- the sheer emotion/connotations wrapped up in the word "bless" felt like an expansive exhale. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYikes am I familiar with lengthy, predawn texts from aging fathers...I will endeavor to see the bless in those greeting me each day. Gonna be a reach (eye roll). Happy New Year, Heidi!
ReplyDelete"Being enough" is a rich concept, certainly one worthy of leaning into. (I couldn't access your link on my laptop, but will try later on my phone.) Your golden shovel is fabulous! Like so many great poems, it has its roots in a particular story but skews toward universal. Brava! PS I also would love to switch up our prompt order!
ReplyDelete"Age, trial, and experience" reminds me of what we say in 12 step circles: when we share/offer encouragement, we are not mired in the problem or giving advice/answers—simply offering our "experience, strength, and hope." Which of course comes from "age, trial, and experience." You are enough! You are exactly where you need to be! xo
ReplyDeleteYour poem rings so true, Heidi. I went back to your post from last year to find all twelve prompts and also found inspiration. Since my OLW for the year is "light" I'm going to commit to using each prompt across the year focusing on finding light in the gifts of the human spirit. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteOh, if only we could all know we are enough. ❤️ Love the golden shovel, Heidi.
ReplyDelete