Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Justly

     For weeks I have looked forward to posting this poem sent to me from my Auntie.  April 22 is her birthday. Per her humble request, I will withhold her name.  Today, upon googling the word just, I came across this scripture-one of my favorites found in Micah 6:8: "HE has shown you, dear one, what is good and required of thee. To act justly, to show kindness and walk humbly with thy God."
     Here, in this season of quarantine and uncertainty, many priorities shift, also gratitude for what normally would go unnoticed.  Of course those on the frontlines such as First Responders and Medical personnel, but also those who are keeping our food and supplies distributed and those who are servicing as we buy those essential items, but their importance should remain such long after this becomes hindsight.  Appreciation for just everyday things and everyday people now unable to continue everyday routines as before, and may we learn the lessons this simple living is teaching us.
I digress.
     Also poignant is the fact that humans are rediscovering humans.  Interaction once taken for granted is now craved and touch almost nil as we keep a social distance. We are spending more time alone and rediscovering our own self.  Loneliness falls.  So, let me say and may you hear and believe: You matter. You are important. You are loved. God is with you.
    Without further adieu, I give you my Auntie:
"Many years ago, as I sketched this poem, I pondered  the importance of each and how they may feel.  Of course, the list is long.  It came to me after receiving a message of "It's just me" from my Mother.  "Just you?!" I replied.  And then, I kept thinking of those words from a person so loved, did she feel 'insignificant'?  And yes, we can.
Oh, if it helps someone on your blog, compose it in your  'style" and use.  Don't add my name, as it surely is not a copyrighted poem!!! "Just a scratch of thought"...Make it significant for your usage if you so desire.  I surely don't mind.  I think many persons should realize how strong these words can affect themselves and their perspective of how they feel as a person, or professional, or invalid.  Must be the word JUST that is the focal point in our language."
It's just me
 three little words, flowing effortlessly with each utterance.
It's just me
As Mother gently pulls the covers over the drowsy child.
It's just me
Daughter's sweet voice over the phone.
It's just me
Calls the housekeeper reaching for the broom.
It's just me
As service worker reads the meter.
It's just me
As loved one opens the door, home at last.
It's just me
 As little one plays "Peek-a-boo"
It's just me
 Whispers the Nurse silenting entering the room.
"It's just me"
These precious words tell me "Who I Am"

Sunday, April 5, 2020

Thank You

Awaken like the toddler
who smiles for the new day.
May our first thought be
a thank You as well.
Here, in the morning light
i sip the steamy cup
 a small hallelujah escapes my lips.
Like breathing are these moments of peace.
inhale. exhale.
Mind wanderings take flight.
all has been said or written or sung before.
but hasn't all life?
history repeats itself save the details.
how else would we learn?
Still, the sun shines
inhale. exhale.
struggles and hardship 
need not negate our joy.
It may be found nearby-
on the sundust streaming in the window.
birdsong. tree whispers. children's laughter.
a note. a text. a lyric.
Inhale. Exhale.
sweet bites. savory aromas.
lost and found treasures-
a stranger's kindness. a neighbor's smile.
Inhale. Exhale.
little simple miralces
all around us
like angels' presence
in prismatic light 
or 
gentle breezes from nowhere.
Breathe in the magic moments.
count the blessings innumerable.
For, we are made of sundust,
created by His Hands.
He breathes a life into us
to shine and light the way back.
Exhale the hallelujah.
Hallelujah.
Here, in this moment,
a new day has just begun.

-Karen C. Davis-Solomon