“music despite everything”
when she died they showed
us her photo, just in case
we didn’t remembercrooked pigtails atop her head
not quite even, and never bowsa scratchy voice through a crooked smile
shouted down the hallfeet tromped crashing
her entrance into quiet study roomsher laugh, oh, her boisterous belly laugh
that only sings in memory
“music despite everything”
the batter’s up
the crack and soar
the roar
no longer plays through our housean empty chair
two ball caps side by side
one for yard work, one for dress
no longer a head to wear themGirlie, don’t forget to…
I always was, will always be his girlie
“music despite everything”
silent snownight
coyote chortle
morning bird song
seasons pass as I rise,
my God and my all“music despite everything”
.
.
.
Author’s Note:
Today was a deep breath in a week that needed a cleansing.
Stephanie Dunlap led a group of us at A Church of the Holy Family, in a safe and powerful writing retreat. Thank you so very much, Stephanie.
Through quick writes and sharing we grew through the morning, freeing our voices, and sharing our stories.
The prompt that spoke to me – “music despite everything“ – was from a line in A Brief for the Defense, a poem by Jack Gilbert.
I am continually grateful to have opportunities that gently lead me to explore my life through writing. And today I found a place to include my mantram from St. Francis of Assisi’s prayer – My God and my all.
With much heartfelt peace for this day of wonder,
Lexanne
P.S.
We ended with another prompt that caught my heart. Write a letter to God.
Holy One,
I give to you all I am
that which has always
been YoursI surrender
to the dark unknown
and open my
heartI place my hand
in Your open palm,
I need no otherWith reverence for all,
beings who talk and sing,
crawlers and fliers,
swimmers and those
who simply areI trust,
no longer forging my way,
in gratitude
I rest, I rest, I rest in You
To Create... 