SoulFlying

There is always the possibility of an unfolding.

This poem began with a piece of paper. I had a blank sheet in my hands while I was invigilating an exam. As I walked between the desks, I folded and unfolded the piece of paper. Life is a little like this I thought, as the possibility of a blank page presented itself as I unfolded the paper.

There are pages in my life that I’d like to rip out, the deaths of my brothers Paul and Michael, the loss of my mother too soon, my father, perhaps too late as he became trapped in dementia. I’d like to erase bad decisions and pencil in decisions not made because my heart lacked courage. I’d like to rewrite words that hurt and shape them into something gentler. Those things will never happen, the past is written in indelible ink. Nevertheless, today is still to be unfolded.

This poem is dedicated to my partner, Julia, who with tremendous courage chose to unfold a new page in her life. I think though, that it also applies to all who feel the tug of a new hope, of a new way of seeing things and a more courageous, authentic way of being.

Before me is a page of possibility, waiting for me to make my mark. I can fold it away and wait or I can begin to unfold not only the page but all the things that I know I can still be.

Perhaps it’s time to dig into possibility and let something unexpected emerge in that great-life-gulp to  come.

It’s never too late to stand tall.

SoulFlying

                 For Julia

There is the possibility of an

unfolding,

Like  tiny womb-wet fingers

uncurling

To catch the breathing air

unaware

Of the great-life-gulp to come.

Now there is the lightness of an

untangling,

Umbilical cut from old hurts

unburdened

From the weight of another’s heart.

un-leashed

To sing a solo song:

Listen to the cry as it

rises.

This is the tallness of You, my love,

standing

Firm-footed on your ancient self,

running

To catch the flying soul that always was –

And now can

Be.

Ruth Everson