Carol A. Hand
Sitting on my step sipping coffee
listening gratefully as the little oven bird sings
greeting morning once again with sweet melodies
listening to the sound of the train on the western ridge
whirring by then fading
listening to leaves rustling in the gentle breeze
remembering times long past
of setting off alone again and again
to begin anew in different places
like the little chickadee in another song
***
***
I would have preferred to live in a fantasy world
escaping to other places in books and daydreams
but I sense that I chose otherwise
long before I was born
Remembering the dark worlds I’ve entered
institutions that mistreated Mickey and Donald
students, elders, and communities
beset with oppression they didn’t deserve
Someone had to offer kindness, strength and solace
even if imperfectly
just because
that was the right thing to do
***
***
Sitting here now in the morning
listening
remembering past encounters and new beginnings
healing old wounds to my spirit and building strength
to face whatever comes next
***
Voices from the Margins 
Well, there are fantasy worlds (like the one you would’ve preferred to live in), and there are fantasy worlds (like the one Donald Trump DOES live in). A little bird told me that yours is as beautiful as your words, and his is as ugly as his.
That said, perhaps I should apologize for MY words, bringing ‘politics’ into your space like sour notes into sweet melodies.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your delightful comments, Mister Muse. You gave me a reason to laugh and be grateful. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
in the present, visited by the past and the future – celebrating the entirety with you over a cup of coffee…so satisfying
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely comments, Joan. Thank you so much. ❤
LikeLike
Carol, I’m sitting right beside you in spirit to also gather strength for whatever comes next ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for being so thoughtful, dear Rosaliene. Sending my best wishes. ❤
LikeLike
I’m listening to “Little Chickadee” after reading your poignant poem, Carol… Just what I needed to read and hear today! 🙂 xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your lovely comments, Bette. I am so grateful to hear that you listened to the song. It’s one of my favorites. ❤
LikeLike
Beautiful Carol. In the listening I’ve found peace, solace and strength to face the day. I used to listen by the river in the morning to the sound of the water and nature, you reminded me today of the beauty of listening.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much for sharing your practice of listening to the river, Mei. It brings to mind the sound of the little brook that was my sanctuary as a little child. SEnding my best wishes. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes yearning for the beautiful, while living the good and authentic in a disordered world, beautiful reflection Carol
LikeLiked by 2 people
Such lovely comments, Paul. Thank you so much for your kindness. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pleasure
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is beautiful Carol, the sense of place and history, the sense of memory and strength.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your kind and lovely comments, Andrea. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
No doubt the salve of a little creature encouraging you to be still for a moment and connect with nature’s healing power. Wounds of the heart run deep,,Peace
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ray, your thoughtfulness is always a gift. Sending my gratitude and best wishes. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person