16 Comments
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Maureen Doallas's avatar

LeeAnn, you've taken one of the most abstract of words and let it settle among the concrete things we can recognize in daily life, that bring us beauty and, most important, enliven our senses - the noise of an owl, the touch of a cat's downy coat, the first taste of coffee - to the richness and wonder of life. That's difficult to do, particularly when what we see and feel every day is harm and suffering. Yours is an appropriate poem for Holy Week, because it holds promise of what goes on, is resurrected over and again.

LeeAnn Pickrell's avatar

Thank you so much, Maureen. I hadn’t thought of it that way and l love that you brought Holy Week to it. That’s where I find spirituality, in those small things.

Ann Collins's avatar

The human sweetness of the little foot in the dark. What a tender poem about something always present, but not always felt.

LeeAnn Pickrell's avatar

Ann, thank you so much. You always catch the sweetest detail—of course you do that in your own poetry.

Kim Nelson's avatar

Your weaving of the natural world throughout this piece takes me right where I want to be. Nature and her inevitable triumph remind us that hope is worthwhile.

Like you, I can set up myself for disappointment through unfulfilled expectations. Living longer is the only route I can imagine for learning not to continue in that vein!

LeeAnn Pickrell's avatar

Thank you so much, Kim. I have to say getting older has made things easier in many ways, less comparing, more settled in myself, able to see gifts in the smaller things. I was so full of angst for so many years.

Asali Echols's avatar

I love this so much! Very much captures how I'm feeling right now too. Hugs! <3

LeeAnn Pickrell's avatar

Hugs to you, and I hope to see you very soon IRL.

Libby Sandstrom's avatar

Your words are exquisite and much needed, appreciated. 🦋

LeeAnn Pickrell's avatar

Thank you, dear Libby.

David Kirkby's avatar

Yes, LeeAnn ... so hard to see hope, but so essential.

Too many forces want us to see only fear and anger - so many "Leaders" and their lackeys.

Fear and anger only destroy.

Hope - and its ally, Love - can renew.

For me, I find it in the natural world, and in the essential goodness I do see in most people. I do not believe that fear and anger are our natural state.

Best Wishes - Dave

LeeAnn Pickrell's avatar

Thanks so much for reading and your comments, Dave. People like you remind me to go outside.

The Sea in Me's avatar

Those hushed, dusted moments. Love the imagery, LeeAnn. Those encouraging moments, when we notice them, let them lift us.

LeeAnn Pickrell's avatar

Thank you so much.

Deborah Brasket's avatar

Beautiful poem. I love all those small, sweet moments of everyday life that bring such pleasure.

LeeAnn Pickrell's avatar

Thanks so much, Deborah. And for restacking the post too.