Written by volunteer writer Lisa Browning
“Writing poetry is like painting a landscape on a grain of sand.” ~ Mary Pipher
I have spent a lot of time not only reading or listening to people’s stories, but also helping them share those stories with the world. Those who know me well will know that I am passionate about story-telling, and believe wholeheartedly the words of Iyanla Vanzant, who said, “When you stand and share your story in an empowering way, your story will heal you and your story will heal somebody else.” But it’s not an easy thing to do, particularly if those stories are about our struggles with mental health.
Sometimes, however, putting the entire story down on paper for others to see is too much of a challenge … at least at first. Poetry can be an easier way to get your feet wet in regard to telling your story and speaking your truth. Just like putting your toes in the water rather than jumping off the dock. While the emotion and the raw truth are still present in the poem, the details can be omitted. And poetry is definitely a powerful means of reaching, and empowering, others, while at the same time empowering ourselves.
Following are three examples taken from anthologies I published during the pandemic, a time which we all know was associated with a prevalence of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.
Attempt
“I’m glad you’re here,” his mother said,
as he lay quietly in the bed.
“You had us scared. I’d miss you so.”
He closed his eyes and wished she’d go.
The pain he felt was at his core.
He’d questioned what this life was for.
Too tired now to lift his head,
no longer hearing what she said.
Thwarted in his attempt to die,
he’d give this life another try.
Finding Meaning: Poetry for Painful Times, by Beverly Nuttall
Guess Who?
Slipping through
Small soft grains of sand
To clear individual drops of dew
That lie upon the green shores’ grass.
Neither rhyme nor reason
Binds me
Wandering I will go, where I want
According to my moods.
Feel me upon your face
You cannot catch me in your hands.
Search and search, playing hide-and-seek
Invisible I am.
Scattered Leaves, by Jaclyn Abrahams
Wildflower
She tried her whole life
To be a rose in the garden.
Until one day she realized
She was a wildflower
And set herself free.
A Wild Hallelujah, by Kelly-Anne Whalen
Do you have a story to tell, but are reluctant to jump off the dock? Perhaps writing a poem or two is the perfect way to get your feet wet!
