I am not an alarmist, but please know, if COVID-19 finds me and it is my time to go, how much I enjoy sharing my words and photos. Writing poetry seems frivolous during a time that has become so serious, but perhaps, a few more poems can help lift us.
She held a poem deep within
where no one else could see
where all her secrets lay
She never shared this poem
with anyone for fear
of what others would say
She let the lines dance
through her mind but
never said the words
She kept quiet for chance
a word or two might slip
through her sealed lips
She let fear win and began
pushing the words back
into their hiding place
She carried on this way
ignoring the poet
hidden safely away
and then one day …
She could no longer contain
the words would
have their way
She stood on the street corner
and shouted her poem
as loud as she could
She looked around afraid
of what she had done
letting out her words
She watched people pass by
no one noticed her
as busy as they were
She tried again, closing her eyes
shouting even louder
than she had done before
She opened her eyes and realized
no one heard the words
she had buried deep inside
She sighed and then tossed her poem
into the wind and watched
her revealed words float by
She went back to her life
no longer carrying
the poem deep inside
She passed that street many
times, remembering the
lines she had cried
She laughed at herself for
being so foolish to think
anyone would care
and then one day …
She noticed the streets
once so crowded
had become scarce
She wondered where
everyone had disappeared
they must be living in fear
She walked the street alone
except for the tattered poem
that back to her had blown
She saw on the bottom of
the torn and tattered paper
the scribbled words –
I was feeling so alone when your page blew my way. Thank you for sharing this gift that I want to keep to myself, but I am tossing this tattered poem back into the wind, because these exposed lines may help someone else feel less alone today.
While processing the events of the week – a spreading virus, dropping stocks, disappearing supplies, cancelled events and flights, and people living in (understandable) fear – I had an image of a girl walking along a desolate street, holding one of the few things that our current circumstance can not erase – a poem that she can give away.
Thank you for stopping by. Stay safe and be well and may you continue to find inspiration in a world that is unsettled. Michele ❤️
Pictures 1: Our backyard after a winter rain Picture 2: My daughter in Portland, Oregon Picture 3: Me posing with Jack London’s statute in Oakland, California
Copyright © 2020 Michele Lee Sefton. All Rights Reserved.
My Inspired Life 
Now IS the time for poetry, my friend.😊
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLiked by 1 person
With you, I certainly agree. Thank you for reading. I will keep writing and sharing, and trusting that my words are carried to those who appreciate what I have to say. ❤️ 😘
LikeLike
Just beautiful!! Thank you for sharing!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tina, my pleasure. Thank you for reading. 💗
LikeLike
Love this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I wrote it before the COVID lockdown business. My lines “She noticed the streets / once so crowded / had become scarce” sure came true. 😥
LikeLike
Such a deeply-moving poem, Michele!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I appreciate you so much! I hope you know that. I love that poem. Thank you for reading it and reminding me of it. 💗
LikeLiked by 1 person