Connection

Deciduous Trees (Part 2)

Deciduous trees start with a delicate beauty 
And end in vibrant hues again.
The tree’s true colors are exposed.
There is no holding back,
conforming to standards
or blending in.

To spend the rest of your days 
in that beautiful authentic expression 
is something to behold and cherish.
Unapologetic
without concern of backlash.

I celebrate the new blooms.
They remind me of a fresh start
And the excitement of something new.

Fragile like the robin’s nest
Sturdy and well made
But too low to the ground.
Not enough protection to promote healthy offspring.

Life is all around us.
The birds are learning too.
They must feel loss.
The robins lost their shelter, their home base.
Is it too late to try again?

Is nature a cruel teacher?
Not so if it prevents future loss of life.
We don’t punish the birds.
It’s the nature of things.

And death too is a part of that cycle
Whether we like it or not.
And we are a part of nature.
It can never be removed
No matter how urban and modern our surroundings.

The pink blossoms are in their full glory
And I am delighted.
Connection

Step out of the darkness and into the light

Step out of the darkness and into the light.
I am here with you.
Fear can make you feel small.
And like a seed without enough space to grow,
Your potential cannot fully bloom.

Step out of the darkness and into the light.
Your authentic voice and story need to be told.
Liberate yourself from the binds that hold you back.
I am here with you.

Do not look outside yourself for validation of
Who you were meant to be.
It is safe to shine your light.

Give yourself permission to bloom.
It was always yours for the taking.
Step out of the darkness and into the light.
Creative Fiction

Bloom into JOY

The succulent fruit
hangs from the peach tree
just waiting to be plucked.
With just a small amount of force
the branch gives way its bounty.

A tight snag
Then a snap with release.
The shape is like a little sun
A glowing orb
cupped in my hand.

The orchard is full
of these golden jewels.
A bounty of sweet joy.

A little green leaf
left its mark
on the flesh
with a little shade from the rays.

The rays gave it nourishment
And now I jubilantly hold
It close to me.
I smell its fuzzy soft skin
and take a bite.

Oh, succulent ripe peach!
Its juices no longer contained
and they release out
with the scent of summer
and promise.

And the creative potential
to alchemize into something more
than a mere glowing orb
on a tree
just waiting for the right
passerby
to bring its gifts
into fruition.

What seemed impossible
to the little blossom
when the sun whispered,
“You are more than what you seem.
You just wait and have faith.”
And I’m at awe to see
It bloomed into joy.
Connection

In Winter we take it Inside

Nature is asleep.
The barren trees
A stark contrast
Against the sky.
What once blossomed
A forgotten memory.
What was jubilant 
And alive
Now quiet, small and dark.

I take the cue and
Bring it inside.
Even in winter
I wish to bloom
To continue to grow
In mind and spirit
To stay connected
And tap into my inner
And outer strength.

The plant on my window sill
Finds warmth and nourishment.
The bird’s wing takes flight
In search for what
I know not.
Its determined flight
Beats into the sky.
There is no respite
When on the hunt.

We hunt for 
Warmth and shelter.
We hunt for understanding
And being truly listened to
And seen.

We seek counsel
And acceptance.
In winter we take it inside.
The nature of the season
Demands it.
And I take the cue and bloom.