I could feel my heart expand reading this poem. I am so glad you unlearned all of that programming, Larry, and that you can enjoy the liberation of tears.
Thank you Lisa! The poem could have gone any number of directions. The reality is that my work at the University showed me how to hug intentionally, to love more expansively and to cry, anytime, anywhere. In a world where hearts are breaking every day and my own doing the same, how could I not cry? Thank you for the prompt and for being the best prompting teaching guide out there.
I miss you too! I've been popping in to read some of the poems and comment when I have the bandwidth, but even that has been harder, so I'm trying not to push it for now. I'm looking forward to when I can be a regular again! 🧡
“I am free!” — I love this Larry, and your description of how you got there in spite of the relentless generational pull the other direction. I’m so glad the dam broke and you are you!
This one flowed from the bicycle ride this evening, a clear, cool summer wind by my side.
No Holding Back
^
Once the walls were as high
as the Hoover Dam,
impenetrable as a rhododendron thicket,
a fortress of security
where no light ever shined.
^
Generations of stoicism,
genetic disposition,
distorted gender roles
mountains of shame
and dysfunctional families,
kept the tears locked inside.
Even then the sadness seeped around the edges,
found its way into child’s play,
lost laughter, broken smiles,
restless nights and raucous relationships
the script handed down from heats frozen long ago.
Through it all there were no tears.
^
When the dam broke,
And I learned how to cry
tears flowing like storm filled river,
liberating, life giving,
love breathing baptism of hope,
I ran outside in the midnight moon,
and shouted “I am free.”
I could feel my heart expand reading this poem. I am so glad you unlearned all of that programming, Larry, and that you can enjoy the liberation of tears.
Thank you Lisa! The poem could have gone any number of directions. The reality is that my work at the University showed me how to hug intentionally, to love more expansively and to cry, anytime, anywhere. In a world where hearts are breaking every day and my own doing the same, how could I not cry? Thank you for the prompt and for being the best prompting teaching guide out there.
I wish everyone could learn how to do all those things. I think we'd be much better off.
I agree, A. I miss you! 😘
I miss you too! I've been popping in to read some of the poems and comment when I have the bandwidth, but even that has been harder, so I'm trying not to push it for now. I'm looking forward to when I can be a regular again! 🧡
True wisdom to know what you need and to follow that direction. You are a blessing no matter where you are. 💚
So beautiful, Larry.
Thank you Lindsey!
There is definitely a freedom and release in tears, you capture this beautifully here.
Thank you Treasa!
I feel your freedom through these words Larry!
Thank you Karri!
“I am free!” — I love this Larry, and your description of how you got there in spite of the relentless generational pull the other direction. I’m so glad the dam broke and you are you!
Thank you for your gracious and kind comment, Rebekah!
Wonderful, Larry. Liberating, life giving, love breathing baptism of hope-beautiful and powerful.
Thank you Billy!