Carol A. Hand
It’s easier for me to write the facts
Than to decipher what I feel
Still, when I look back in time I wonder
What is fantasy and what is real
I think of an Ojiwe man who survived foster care abuse
And struggled to heal through the years
I later heard that he died young but I didn’t ask how
Although my heart grieves I no longer shed tears
Instead I write about oppression
In everyday past choices
To share peoples’ dreams and suffering
And I try to honor their voices
Today as I greet the mild grey morning
Watching a crow strut as it chatters
I realize that contributing in some small way
To build understanding is what really matters
Photo: A Wise Crow
***
“contributing in some small way
To build understanding is what really matters” – Carol, you always get right to the heart of a matter! Also, your first verse describes perfectly the dilemma of a writer of history, memoir, or just memories. As you work through your process, I’m convinced you will find the right balance. Keep going! 🙂
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Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words, Hildegard. I appreciate hearing encouraging words from you – someone who has experienced and overcome the challenges of completing a memoire 🙂
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Carol, you give me too much credit! I do have a poetry book which includes one small but important episode of my life, but as for “memoire” – oooh, that’s a big word; I have so many bits and pieces scattered in my computer, that I consider myself definitely still in the challenge state! Completion – some day? 🙂 That is why I particularly admire your progress!! 🙂
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So lovely!
Sent from my iPhone
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Thank you, Nicci ❤
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It is a lovely poem, and made the better by including a crow, and a handsome one at that. 🙂 Myself, I wonder what is fantasy and what is real everyday.
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Thank you for your kind and thoughtful comments, Peter 🙂
I couldn’t resist adding the crow. I really did see one this morning as I drank my coffee in the back porch. (But not the image I posted. It’s a free image. the source is embedded in the caption below. Please use it if you wish. There are many other options on the website).
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Yes, I did download it. Thank you Carol.
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🙂
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So very touching and lovely, Carol, and the crow was a perfect addition to your poem. It even had its head cocked as if he were hearing your words. Loved, loved, loved this. Hugs, N 🙂 ❤
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Thank you so much for your lovely comments, Natalie ❤
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Thanks for sharing this Carol, Those people have the best “voice” in your writing! Always an honour to read your posts!
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Thank you so much for your lovely words, Hector.
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In some small way… This is good work, and worthy of the doing. Many thanks!
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Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words, Rich.
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