This is a trilogy of mini-poems under 12 lines for the stages of thorn, bud, and bloom. Prompted by Voices in Power (a poetry open mic experience), I wanted to make sure I contributed to their challenge before their end of the month deadline.
It took me all month and a couple of different ideas to write this piece. I am in a transitional, limbo phase in which determining the season I am in is tricky. It looked like having difficulty sitting down to write this piece and an overall aversion to the idea of it.
Eventually, today, I got it all done because self-imposed deadlines make me freak out. So enjoy this honest comeback to the podcast after a much needed break!
Thorn: I’m healing from holding on To a rope in a game of tug of war I never signed up for. I was so used to going all in Just to never win, Coming out with bruises and battle scars And broken relationships. Bud: I’m learning to believe that rest is productive, And that I can’t always turn to my notes app To deal with my demons. So I’ve cut the phrase “I’ll rest when I’m dead” Out of my vocabulary Because I can’t achieve my dreams if I’m only treading water Which means I have to be okay with living a life that is softer, A change I’m willing to make in an effort to go farther. Flower: I’m back to nurturing my soul, Watering the roots of my identity And letting my feet sink into the earth. I got so caught up in the frivolous things That I got lost in the material It feels good to finally return to self And be grounded in my purpose.
Y’all I had slight brain fog the entire time I was putting this post together. But I was determined to get it up, concussion or not. So I apologize if it’s not my best work but it really is just raw and honest.
I have no clue what’s going on in my life right now. I’m learning to let go of things that no longer serve me no matter what that may be and how much it may hurt to do so. Because the thing to keep in mind is that keeping it close is most likely going to hurt me in the long run, like a slow poison.
Poetry Prompt: Write a poem describing what “watering your soul” looks like in your daily routine.
Poetry Prompt: Write a poem where rest is personified as a lover who keeps calling you back.
Writing Prompt: Create a dialogue between your present self and the version of you who kept fighting battles you didn’t start.
Writing Prompt: Tell the story of a flower blooming in an unexpected place (a sidewalk crack, a war zone, a hospital bed, etc.)
Journal Prompt: Have you ever overextended yourself in a situation that didn’t serve you? What did you learn from it?
Journal Prompt: What parts of your identity are you learning to embrace again?
As always, take what resonates and leave what doesn’t!
With love, always
Natasha K
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