Safe Within Myself
It took this particular constellation
of experiences to arrive here-
a middle child, vigilant
in my family's brand of broken, went
within like turtle, grew
radar that detected danger, safety. Erred
on the side of self- reliance. Learned
self's true safety, and another's,
by naming love, loss
and life's knocks as grace.
Written in response to Mama Zen over at Imaginary Gardens With Real Toads who asked us to describe our place of safety and make our words count in less than 53. Mine's 52.
I like the crispness of this, the feel of straight talk, and of balance hard won and valued. The last lines condense the learning of a lifetime, and do it well.
ReplyDeleteIt was hard one, and therefore, valued. It struck me as I wrote this that it all becomes what makes us who we are and so, grace.
DeleteAlways best to listen inside. I like the reference -"went within like turtle".
ReplyDeleteSince I erred on the side of self reliance, I had to learn inter-dependence. My Honey taught me that and I learned to listen to him, too.
DeleteThat's some well-earned peace you're writing about, girl. I have erred on that same side.
ReplyDeleteOnly love balances that.
DeleteExactly, kiddo. Could not be said any better.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sherry. I find it amazing that prompts can help us access hidden wisdom.
DeleteYes...self reliance definitely gives a person the edge!
ReplyDeleteI almost got stuck there though and needed the balance of trust as well.
Delete.. your poem is full of grace. Nowhere to go but 'inside' when everything around you is chaos.
ReplyDeleteIt was the best option and, once balanced, brought me peace within myself.
Deletefist - i love the pic and also the having found balance with the years, the safety that comes from real life experience is one that will not easily be shaken..
ReplyDeleteThe photo is from my balcony and I liked the symbol of rainbow as covenant for this poem. Yes, safety within our experiences is bedrock.
DeleteOne;s own will can give assured safety!!!
ReplyDelete...and love and loss and hard knocks... it all can teach me
DeleteI am a middle child so I so understand this poem. Great piece...love calling life's hard knocks grace.
ReplyDeleteIt does demand unique responses, doesn't it? That's the perspective of 67 years- it's all grace.
DeleteOh this is absolutely wonderful =)
ReplyDeleteGrazie, mlm.
DeleteI never get over the mystery of our individual constellations. Thank you for this lovely reminder that everything we've lived has shaped us.
ReplyDeleteSo, eventually I get grateful for it all.
DeleteSafe within self while jumping up and down in the roller coaster ride, You ave summed up your living so well here and loads to learn from here!
ReplyDeleteErred
on the side of self- reliance. Learned
self's true safety, and another's,
by naming love, loss
I normally don't pick up verses but this one struck me!
Maybe it's the view from the top of the roller coaster...
DeleteWhat a self-portrait you pen!
ReplyDeleteIt's how we define ourselves that makes all the difference.
It's hard to miss the sheer grace of my life.
DeleteReally well done. I adore the strength in those closing lines.
ReplyDeleteThanks, MZ. This was a fascinating prompt and brought such a range of replies...
DeleteWonderful if you can manage it! Very well expressed. K.
ReplyDeleteThe managing it was grace, too.
DeleteLooks like gorgeous Tuscany. Beautiful writing about getting to feel safe within yourself.
ReplyDeleteIt's actually gorgeous Abruzzo and is one of the views from my balcony.
DeleteI'm grateful for the journey and all the stops along the way that have brought me to right here. Thanks for vising and commenting. Parla Italiano?
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful, winding, growing journey.
ReplyDeleteThat it is.
Delete