National novel writing month

Photo of Dad

A moment captured in time

of a fathers struggle to live

even in the depths of pain and discomfort.

Resting in a chair at window ledge

peering and frowning as if to memorize,

immortalize this moment.

A mini vacation set aside

to help rejeuvenate and de-stress.

Niagara Falls river rushing by

through windowpane.

His pain as deep and disguised

as the rivers current.

Mom notices his absence of thought

and clicks the camera.

The flash awakens his dreamy state

as he smiles at her

What was he thinking?

She loves him dearly and misses him already.

A black and white photo left behind

that will never reveal

the life of colour they shared in the 51 years of marriage!

The Wilderness of Poetry (Won a place in Gertrudes Writing Room annual 2020 chapbook contest)

In the wilderness of poetry

I’m wondering if you can envision

what I ascertain?

Readers are so subjective

I search for truth, beauty and

courage in life

I grasp for inclusion

I am wild, free, alone

creating a moment

of belonging

Do you even see the forest for the trees?

A dangerous place

this wilderness

damp, earthy

vulnerable poetry

How will you even see me with closed eyes?

My breath like a slow fog expels

I smell the pines in the forest

standing firm, grounded, expansive

limbs spread upward in worship

I belong here

My pen is my voice

like the smell of the pines

It cries out to be noticed

Fragrant words seducing you closer

vowels lighting the narrow path

to the truth, beauty and courage of the forest

Standing firm, I succumb to the wilderness

within me

anticipating true belonging.

ONE DRUM

“THE MOST PROFOUND TRUTH IN THE UNIVERSE IS THIS:

THAT WE ARE ONE DRUM”

Richard Wagamese

I am a greathearted fan of Richard Wagamese’s writing. I feel a kinship with his soul and his words. He apparently left behind a manuscript he had been working on before his death in 2017 called One Drum.

Even though I have Metis ties through my maternal bloodline I was raised with the Christian worldview. As I journey, I find myself drawn to books about native beliefs. Beliefs that talk about The Great Spirit, Star People (aliens), Hopi Prophecy, The Red Road, and the 7 sacred Grandfather Teachings. The 7 sacred lessons were passed down so that we may live our best lives without conflict or contradiction. They were assigned a spirit animal and are as follows:

1. HUMILITY – WOLF – wolves lived in packs and to survive they had to work together. Find balance in life knowing you are a sacred part of creation.

2. BRAVERY – BEAR – bears have courage and strength while finding balance with rest-survival-play. It reminds us to face our fears and to stand up for ourselves.

3. HONESTY – RAVEN – the raven stands for acceptance of yourself and what you have. Be true to yourself and use the gifts that are given to you.

4. WISDOM – BEAVER – beavers are known to alter their environment to benefit themselves. Observe and learn wisdom through your surroundings.

5. TRUTH – TURTLE – the turtle carries wisdom on his back. Understand your place in life, be true to yourself & others. Life is not a destination but a journey.

6. RESPECT – BUFFALO – the buffalo stands for balance and the needs of others. Honour and respect all living things, don’t waste, be mindful and live by the Golden Rule Principal.

7. LOVE – EAGLE – love is the core lesson. You must live by all the previous lessons before love. The eagle has the strength to carry all the teachings. He sees all the ways of being. Love yourself truly and be at peace with all things on earth.

I do not consider myself a shaman but of one who is on the path of a seeker. A path my soul calls forth for understanding. What I have learned so far is that we need to foster harmony and peace among the human tribe. We have to accept we are one spirit living out different versions of the same journey.

I know I am not alone on this path

I know we are “one beating drum”!

MY TRUE EXISTENCE

SOFTLY THROUGH THE COBWEBS OF CONSCIOUSNESS

I FEEL YOUR PRESENCE ENVELOPING ME GENTLY

LIKE A BABE IN ARMS

WARM, TENDER, COMFORTING

MY SENSE OF BEING BENDS TO MATCH YOU

MY TWIN FLAME

DESIRING ONLY YOUR TOUCH

MY HEART SEEKS SOLICE

AWAKENED MEMORIES COME TO SURFACE AS THE

BREEZE AND SUNLIGHT PURIFY MY THOUGHTS

LOVE IS MY TRUE EXISTENCE

DAILY I GREET MY GOAL OF KEEPING HIGH VIBRATIONS

AS I CHOOSE WHICH EXPERIENCE

YOU WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE

IT IS A CHALLENGING ROLE I PLAY

IN THIS DUALISTIC WORLD

KNOWING BOTH LIGHT AND DARKNESS ARE NEEDED

IT IS NOT EASY TO LOVE THOSE WHO HAVE NO SELF LOVE

AND IT IS FAR TOO EASY TO HATE

GUIDE ME MERCIFULLY

FOR LOVE IS MY TRUE EXISTENCE

SEPTEMBER ARRIVES

The streaming sound of cicadas

Among the lovely trees

As August days turn dark

And the flowers call the bees.

The leaves feel the energy flowing

As they begin to bend to wind

Once purged from Mother branches

To the earth now engaged and pinned.

The awesome fluttering dragonflies

In an anxious state of bliss

Grasp their flowering fluid elixir

As a goodbye summer kiss.

Nature feels the change of seasons

As if called from deep below

The earth decides its future fate

When winter winds will blow.

As I watch in silent surrender

To the calling of all beings

A conscious scheduled cycle starts

My waning heart to sing.