The following poem is from my third collection, Wild & Free - Poetry of Living, Loving and Letting Go (click link for all titles). It was written around 2015 but feels relevant today.
I added “a warrior’s tale of hope” for this post. When I re-read these words, written by a former version of myself, I noticed a new energy arise which held the ferocity of these times as well as a clear vision of a better tomorrow.
These times are a call to action, a way to use our respective gifts and skills to effect change in the direction of our core values. Not everyone needs to be on the front lines to be part of the shift and our values may not always align. But we must be present and prepared for when we are called, directly, to show up.
It is a time for all poets and writers, actors, singers, comedians, dancers, and painters - teachers, coaches, therapists, healers, historians, economists, journalists, readers, critical thinkers, anyone who has even the smallest platform, to lean in. It is not a time to be silent.
I refuse to get sucked into the nihilistic abyss
Life holds its challenges for us to meet
to grow beyond the places of comfort we seek
to become better versions of ourselves
even if it means walking through a scalding fire
Transformation is happening
burning fields to the ground for new growth
While on the other side of the scorching embers and choking smoke
we are breaking through our collective chrysalis
wings singed by the flames meant to purify us
Sailing smoothly
Flying free
on the clean current beyond the haze
I love this. Thanks, I needed to read this today!