“Testing the Waters”

I’m back
although people may not’ve noticed me
gone
but I’m back
I think

in a way I shut down
being open about my life
because of advice
because of fear
because of betrayal

but one thing’s for certain
I feel “called” to write
publicly
so when I don’t
I feel out of balance

you’ve missed birthdays
and deaths
trials
and triumphs

so as I stand up strong
with my core intact
I’ll let every word
flow
from my heart and mind

I’m no longer
afraid
to be me

if you don’t want me
to write about you
don’t hurt me

“Salty Lunch”

let me describe part of yesterday to you

Katie at the sink doing dishes
Scott in the living room holding Ariel
Carolyn in her room
and me at the kitchen table eating some lunch and crying

the only thing holding me back
from writing that poetry
are the comments being made
how I should only speak positive

if you only knew I had a calling
to write the rawness of what’s real
but then again
would you believe me?

so to not write would be listening
to man
and to write
would be listening to God

but then I have moments of doubt
of course
because part of my listening seems “off”
since I’m so sad

how do you lie through a life
saying everything’s okay
when inside most of the time
you’re on the verge of tears

how many people lose their life
and those around them ‘didn’t see it coming’
when asked how they were doing
did they simply “i’m fine”?

if honesty is so healing
why do people say to hide it?

when I write I release
and walk away lighter
stronger
with a clearer mind

when I don’t write
I seem to lose the battle
until I write

a wife without a husband
a mom without a child
a silence without laughter
are only memories and imaginations

Cold Front

Lately, I’ve experienced a lot of change, but the other night, someone else did, and it wasn’t good.

Since Scott’s picked us up from San Diego and brought us to Texas, there’s been barely any laughter, mainly because he’s been a totally different person than the man I married (and not in a good way). The oppression was intense, but I, finally, made it through it with the help of God, my AA friends, and laughter. Continue reading