Poetry

But phoenix within, dormant and still /
Awaited the moment, the strength to instill /
From ashes rose a spirit anew /
To face the darkness, to find what is true

We listen /
Listen to the whispers /
In the wind /
In the moonlight /
In the heart /
In the shadows /
That which has been buried for too long

I'm away now /
To the land of peace and honey. /
Where wealth, stealth and things have no meaning. /
Where beauty bares its nakedness /
And stillness envelopes my soul

The decision to start writing, despite facing challenges like dyslexia and a lack of formal education, came as a transformative moment in my life. Having been a social care worker for 20 years, I decided to embark on a new hobby as a yoga instructor.

She was forsaken by her worshipped /
The war shipped Athena, /
Who thrust upon her the crown of serpents /
And the gaze that would turn any man to stone

I am from limestone walls, conkers and hazels /
Neatsfoot oil, bridles and stables /
The Horse Chestnut stood tall at my gable /
I am the top of the castle, the forest floor

Scanning down to that fire inside /
To feelings I’d forgotten or wanted to hide /
No more pushing down or keeping inside /
I’m ready for healing, I’m ready to thrive

Dear Child, /
There is nothing stopping you /
From soaking into the arms of the absolute /
Only yourself

Not all hearts know they are not open to see
We see the love that we know only  /
Oblivious to other flavours of magic /
Of consciousness /
Of connection /
Of peace

You give me space to allow me to grow /
To see through the trees, up above, down below /
The space all around me, inside and out /
Allows freedom to grow, for this I’ve no doubt

I ask myself, as each time before /
Does she know me at all? /
This woman who birthed me? /
I am a serious woman /
See? I wear black /
Patterns and colour need not apply

This woman, this soul, resilient and free /
Paints her canvas with hues of possibility /
In the stillness, I find a sanctuary of grace /
A tapestry of lessons, each line on my face