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
Copyright Notice: © Carol A. Hand and carolahand, 2013-2016. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Carol A. Hand and carolahand with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
“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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