Soul searching

i urge myself

be a candle wick
not a wax

my compass point is here,
there, everywhere

under the night sea of stars
or the open field of grassland

my journey is not over
my bowl is not filled
with answers

but with thorns and fallen
leaves
i love my womanhood- 
i pin a note: 
walk your own pace
and define your own season-

i urge myself

be a grain
of plenty, of solidarity

i join my prayers with you
bead upon bead
of comfort, solace, hope
threading under our skin
a mosaic of belongness
a colorful blanket, stitched with
our different stories

this temple is ours
in this home, i am corner-
stone, like my mother is,
like my grandmother was-

i urge myself

be a raindrop
into a sea of change

my future - welcoming
possibilities, with open palms

my past - sealed  
in a box, marked - forgiven
and dropped off-

my present - breathing 
deeply
the winter air is cold wine
pouring & bubbling last hurrah-
aware of spring's approaching
steps

i urge myself 

be a seed 
planted 
in this garden of life


Posted for dVerse Poets Pub - Join us for a soul gazing experience, led by pub host Paul John Dear.  The pub doors open at 3pm EST.   Thanks for your visit.

To a daughter by the lighthouse

Dry your victim's tears
I walk with you in this journey
You are
more than what they say you are
more than what you think you are

Feel your heartbeat
You are
born with survivor's spirit
A lighthouse to all those lost boats

Know that your cross is also my cross
And your scars will be beautifully shaped
Like deep thick roots of an oak tree
Some seasons, you will overflow with flowers
Some seasons, you will be empty of fruits
But you will keep on walking 

Even when some words are stones
Lingering sharp long after 
everyone have cast their judgments
Some words will be seeds
blooming even when you are not aware of it
They will be fuel and fire
Wind and thunderstorms
For your other sisters and brothers 
Be strong with your voice

Your children need to hear it-
Your partner needs to hear it-
Follow that instinct
Like the creatures of the earth

Who knows when its time to go or stay
When its time to be fight or give up
Keep yourself hungry for sunsets 
Thirsty for adventures & road trips
Don't you realize by now

You are more than 5 letters
A rib-maker, formed by your own hands-

By Colossal

Posted for D'verse Poets Pub - OpenLinkNight - Hosted by Bjorn Rudberg

My thoughts upon reading the rape victim's powerful letter here  when her accuser, an ex-Stanford university swimmer, was sentenced to only 6 months of prison.