National Poetry Day is a great opportunity to get re-inspired.
Poetry inspires us by getting to the heart of it all. Suddenly we see things in a different light, we think and feel in a new way and then become renewed ourselves. We all need constant inspriation in our work, as a way of connecting with ourselves as well as an alternative to the constant busy “doing.”
As it is National Poetry Day today I am publishing a poem. Having recently read it in a blogging workshop I feel more encouraged to let it see the light of day!
To my creative self
I thought at first that you liked things Done Properly
You know, new notebook, Time to Do It,
Focus, Discipline, and bingo, Results.
But I knew that wasn’t me so I tried to outwit
you, disarm you, prove I was right.
a poem on the back of a bus ticket
in a scruffy diary, while I was walking
painting my bedroom wall, travelling somewhere,
drawing in the margin of my work life.
And all the time you were just with me,
Wherever I was.
And now I have acknowledged you
Given you proof of your existence
Enjoyed the flash of recognition between us
The matching of equals
Now I feel your stubborn ness.
You’re not going anywhere.
It doesn’t matter how I do it
You won’t be shaken off
You are holding me fiercely
But that’s not enough for you
You need more
You want us to be together side by side
Step by step.
I don’t yet know how to be a partner
With you
my creative self.
© Jean Wolfe
January 2003
Often our creativity does need an invitation to appear. It is there but needs to be given space. So glad you found that invitation.
How lovely. It is often the small details that bring our writing to life. It was an interesting detail for me as a reader but had extra resonance as well. Perfect!
It was a little stone Mary gave us on the night to remind us about making a difference.
Thank you for creating the opportunity Jean
Thanks for writing this here. What a fantastic sentiment – and I particularly love the fact there is a stone in the pocket..
Great Doreen. So glad you decided to make this poem public here. Thank you.
Now you have me going Jean!!! Here is one I wrote after just after my Mum departed this month 9 years ago.
Thank you Jean for reminding me of this poem.
Angels in Abbeyliex Hospice
Like others we had fear
Were we right or wrong
Letting go of home caring
Struggling for so long.
Our fear indeed misplaced
Each and every one of you
Reached far beyond your station
Caring as if she were your own.
No words expressed
Nor money parted
Could ever match what you imparted
Right up till she departed.
Once inside these walls
Your soft and gentle ways
Creates energy and love
No wonder Mum was slow to leave.
Our voices join our Mum
In her silent praise
For all your kindness
Each and every day.
And now she gaily
Looks down from up above
Telling stories daily
Of all you angels.
Thank you.
Doreen Gowing
27/07/2007
It sounds like you have found each other Jean.
Though I would share a little poem inspired my Mary Fraser.
I only nipped out
Just nipping out for a bit of butter
Light on my feet gliding along
With not so much as a mutter
The sun toasting my back
Strolling along in a distant stare
My butter awaiting my toast
Wandering into the shop of Aged Care
I’m saying ‘Yes’, to Volunteers wanted
Skipping my way back home
My hands in my pockets
My fingers caressing a tiny wee stone
Inside I’m beaming as a memory sprung up
Of my fiend Mary’s talk
At our local Toastmaster
How each of us can ‘Make a Difference’
One step and you’re a starter
Doreen Gowing
30/07/15