Dandelion

To some, a weed to be pulled

A nuisance

A disruption

To the lawn’s green uniformity

To others

Sunshine in petal form

A smile on my face

A puffball to blow

And make a wish

A snack for a rabbit

Spring is here

Trauma

This is a poem about my experience with medical trauma. I hope this poem gives a voice to anyone who may be struggling with trauma, whether it is medical or another type.

It’s over

But still happening in my mind

I’m free

But still chained by it

I’m safe

But my brain still signals danger

I no longer see them

But I still hear their voice

I’ve stopped the medication

But its effects on me still linger

I long for community

Yet I hide in myself

I know I can trust you

But I still feel unsafe

I need to live in the present

But the past happened and it mattered

I’m afraid

But I’m slowly facing my fears

I fall

But I get back up

I’m struggling

But I’m growing

I’m wounded

But I’m healing

Breeze

The warm breeze blows reeds and grasses

If only it would blow away

My troubles

Like ripples on a lake

That gather

And disappear

Abbott Lake, Virginia

Known

 

Written Oct 2022- Aug 2023

A universal desire

Rarely voiced

To be completely known

Yet loved and accepted

Not by all

But by one

Or a few

Like a glimpse of the garden of Eden

Naked and unashamed

Vulnerable but safe

Is this foolishness or wisdom?

Danger or safety?

Risk or opportunity?

The uncertainty of whether

Someone can be trusted

With trust comes rest

And the security

Of being loved

Relaxing in an embrace

Knowing each other

In joy and sorrow

Through defeats, failures and victories

Knowing strengths and weaknesses

Walking through different seasons

Of life together

Taking off the masks we wear

Because there is no need to hide

Learning to forgive

The potential to hurt

But also to heal

Just being

In each other’s presence

A desire placed in us

By the One who knows us fully

And longs to be known

In an Instant

Hiking ever since I could walk
Climbing light posts, trees and rocks
My favorite way to spend a day
Was bike and run and rollerblade
Drop in on the skateboard ramp in the street
Feel adrenaline shoot from my heart to my feet
I earn another belt in martial arts
But breaking boards was the best part

I am healthy, I am strong
I have done this all along

All this changes in an instant
You put your foot down
Try to walk but you can't
It takes all your strength
Just trying to breathe
You have to budget energy
'Cause you're held back by fatigue

Health is not always something earned
It can be gone in an instant
I have learned
Don't take it for granted
All that you've got
Health is not something
That can be bought

Photo credit: Sarah and Zack Conord