Category Archives: poetry

“Knowing What I Know…” from “Frazzle”

My husband Stephen and I met in college in January of 1972. I was 19 and he was 7 months older. We are no longer those people, who after becoming friends, fell in love that first summer and got married (once I graduated). We’ve changed over and over in 42 years of marriage. Often change is not in sync. It’s like that Bruce Springsteen song, “And if I fall behind, wait for me…” But we’ve been determined and worked through it all…to stay together.

Tonight we went to a powerfully moving recital by opera singer, Joyce Didonato. She continues to be a big inspiration for me to be fearless (including doing this video series). Because I wanted to see her, Stephen encouraged me to get the tickets. He found a lovely new sushi restaurant in Chicago and we made it through traffic to get parked and into the performance in good time, a feat in itself. Stephen liked it. I loved it, even tearing up by her last encore.

That’s one thing that’s kept us close. We each bring something different to the relationship. We’re willing to try something new. And we support each other. I am most grateful. What relationships are you grateful for?

Here is Poem 9 from Thrown Again into the Frazzle Machine: Poems of Grace, Hope, and Healing: https://youtu.be/VLhrqr0rk6k

Listen to more video poems from “Frazzle”

“One Day When I Am Gone” from “Frazzle”

What do I want to say here today, if anything? Sometimes silence is best. Give a little space to breathe, to reflect.

So right now, as you read this, pause for a moment and take a deep breath. If you’re feeling stressed that breath probably stayed in the chest. If you can, give it another go, this time allow the belly to rise with the deep breath in, perhaps like you are filling all the interior space all the way down to the tips of your toes. And then slowly let it out. Perhaps breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth (very grounding). Letting out some of the tightness with the warm out-breath. Repeat if you wish. Let your shoulders drop, allow the tension you are carrying to gently fall off, just for now. Continue breathing…in…out…in…out…  How do you feel now?

For a while, whenever I checked in with my body I felt like I wasn’t breathing. Since I was conscious I must have been breathing, but the energy was not filling me up. And over time this takes its toll. One healthy goal is to retrain myself to breathe like this, from the belly like babies do naturally.

Here is Poem 8 from Thrown Again into the Frazzle Machine: Poems of Grace, Hope,and Healing:  https://youtu.be/5t0zK4MglS8

Listen to more video poems from “Frazzle”

“New Hole” from “Frazzle”

I am stubborn, persistent, and determined and that can work for me or against me. My choice. In the case of medical issues, sometimes I don’t see the choice. I feel like I’m stuck and have to keep on, and yet… there’s always some kind of help I’m not seeing. My attitude about the whole thing is something I can choose. I know that deep insights and clarity (and poems) often come to me through health problems, from multiple sclerosis to cancer, hernias to kidney stones, heart failure to extreme allergic reaction to poison ivy, depression to panic attacks, I’ve learned I can heal from most anything. We are all fabulous healers, though the form of that healing may not be what we expected. Think back to every scrape and bruise since babyhood. All gone, the body-mind-spirit is wondrous! I forget, and then I am reminded. I’ve also developed skills to support this healing (or at least get out of my own way). A daily energy balancing practice is one of them, reducing stress and remembering to breathe deeply. I consciously clear away emotional debris from each day, in kindness to myself—on the good days. How about you?

So here is Poem 7 from Thrown Again into the Frazzle Machine:   https://youtu.be/L5fGv8RKrY0

Listen to more video poems from “Frazzle”

“For B.R…Again” from “Frazzle”

For as long as I can remember my relationship to rest has been tricky. I’ve struggled to balance action and resting, staying up later and later, sleeping in to compensate or taking naps if I can, pushing my limits. (I am by nature a night person.) Where I live, this time of year the sun sets before 4:30 pm. I may see only a few hours of daylight. I do try to get out for a walk to the pond up the road, which helps. It is not just the hours of sleep, but also the ability to take time for myself, take care of myself. To be kind and set aside the daily burdens and float awhile. Yes, that sounds good. How about you? Do you build quiet time into each day? A good book to disappear into? Meditation or listening to music perhaps?

From Thrown Again into the Frazzle Machine: Poems of Grace, Hope, and Healing, here is your poem (6) for today: https://youtu.be/819n0H8jAtY

Listen to more video poems from “Frazzle”

THROWN AGAIN into the FRAZZLE MACHINE: Poems of Grace, Hope, and Healing

THROWN AGAIN into the FRAZZLE MACHINE: Poems of Grace, Hope, and Healing

“Floating on Sitar Notes and Drum Beats” from “Frazzle”

I usually carry a small notebook and a pen. (I write my poems in longhand and then put into them the computer.) I try not to write when I’m out with other people. It seems rude to ignore them and pay attention to my inner voices, however compelling. Sometimes the call to write is so strong I give in to it (with apologies). This poem was one of those times.

Stephen and I were out for Valentine’s Day dinner at an Indian restaurant we had often gone to. This time, unexpectedly, there was live music and a special menu. The sitar and drums and the ambiance, both familiar and altered, insisted I catch that…something…

And so I wrote during dinner putting down a line or two as we ate, still paying attention to my husband. As I observed the scene with great awareness, the smells of curry and other herbs, the vivid colors, listening intently to the music as it swirled around me, letting it shape the lines. All of it woven into what was happening in my life, my healing practice.

Consider closing your eyes and allow the scene to play out in your imagination as you listen. What does this evoke in you? Do you have any music that sweeps you away to somewhere else?

Here is your poem for today, from Thrown Again into the Frazzle Machine: Poems of Grace, Hope, and Healing:  https://youtu.be/po8SkL_N3Q8

Listen to more poems from “Frazzle”

THROWN AGAIN into the FRAZZLE MACHINE: Poems of Grace, Hope, and Healing

THROWN AGAIN into the FRAZZLE MACHINE: Poems of Grace, Hope, and Healing