For This National Poetry Month

A Poem from my Father

Beloveds, as I am writing this post to you all, I am thinking of all of the things that Spring brings. Things like budding flowers, chirping birds, fresh air, and (for me now) a window of grief. Yesterday, April 5th marked the second anniversary of my dad’s passing and, in truth, it has been hard to write anything other than journal entries. Aside from moving through this window of grief, I am also moving through a whirlwind of life lessons and I am at a threshold of decision making and growing up that feels as if I am standing squarely at a major crossroads in my life. And, at times, the pressure feels debilitating. So, writing has been a bit of a struggle and telling the truth about the weight of this crossroads often feels daunting and out of reach. However, I recently read an essay by Nicole Chung in the 100 Days of Creative Resistance series that offered this: when we find it hard to write, we can sometimes find solace in sharing a story about a loved one. So, what I will offer you all today is a story about my father alongside a poem that he once shared with me.

I’m grateful to God for that essay, because my creativity is a love-practice and not writing has felt cruel. Also, grief tends to get a lot of flack, but today grief is helping me to find my way back to my creativity in an honest way. I will also say that what is giving me a semblance of grounding and hope in this moment is my belief that there is always more life and more love somewhere. These days, that belief takes more effort to stand on, but I am learning the power of faith. Faith is not something that is rooted in logic or emotion, but faith is a decision to believe regardless of what I may see or how I may feel. Like many of us, I’m journeying spiritually and I often find it hard to surrender fully to anything at all. This week, I spent time practicing yoga for overthinking and the instructor introduced me to the Humble Warrior/Devoted Warrior pose—a pose dedicated to honoring both the strength and unyielding faith and devotion of the warrior. I’m still learning that strength, faith, and devotion can co-exist and that is the truth.

Here is more truth and love that feels within reach and my prayer is that this offering touches you and that you find something to take with you—always. 💛