BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS – PROMPT #57

The journey is long. Hopefully, it lasts even longer. And through our travels we walk in various stages. We’re holding our parent’s  hand, we’re learning to walk on our own. We walk with companions; we walk alone, we follow and lead, but indeed, we move forward. Teaching and learning from each other and discovering ourselves in the process. And our process requires that Marie and I choose one poem from this collection of outstanding work. So, our BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS.

MARIE ELENA’S PICK

One thing is certain:  The path through Poetic Bloomings is beautifully (exquisitely) adorned with spirited, brilliant poetic hearts.  We appreciate each and every one of you.

This week, I offer my Beautiful Bloom to Linda Swenski for PERCEIVE THYSELF.  This poem is written simply and from the heart. I can relate to its message, and the life lesson it gracefully proclaims.  Linda, I believe we are kindred spirit.  Thank you for the valuable message in this candid piece.  You made me smile.

PERCEIVE THYSELF (by Linda Swenski)

I have spent a lifetime
trying to find that talent or skill
that would make me a leader–
That would make me respected.

I am not strong or coordinated
I can’t sing, play sports, or model.
I am not beautiful or rich or powerful.
I am smart, but not a genius.

I have none of the attributes
that makes one great, makes one a leader.
So I followed those with the talents.
I tried to be like them, and failed.

Thereafter, I just raised my children,
did my job, and was a good friend.
I entertained myself by writing,
joking, and creating beautiful things.

Then one day a group referred to me
as the person who could do everything.
All the small skills that seemed insignificant to me
were perceived by others as a big talent!

Life is not always measured
by the big successes
but is often seen as a collection
of the very small ones.

WALT’S BEAUTIFUL BLOOM:

The life stories expressed by all of our poets are beautiful journeys to self and happiness and discovery. They are all new and I’ve learned a bit about our talented gardeners. However, the poem selected is a continuing glimpse of a story that unfolds in bit and pieces. If you read her blog and follow some incredible work, you’ll understand. So, in consideration of some of the most fabulous poems posted to date, I offer my BLOOM to Meena Rose’s “Bubble Girl”.

Bubble Girl (by Meena Rose)

Smoke and ash and burnt flesh;
Relentless waves of agony as
Broken glass shreds feet.

Insanity, chaos and ruin
Rain down on ears deafened,
Howling shrieks of grief.

Ignored amidst the din, she vowed
She will not let anyone forget her again;
She shut the world out.

She walks alone neither alive nor dead;
Watching, seeking, judging –
Is it worthy of her return?

A butterfly lands on her nose
Passing on nature’s caress –
Yes, indeed, it is time to return.

Congratulations to Linda and Meena for your BEAUTIFUL BLOOM awards.