My husband bought me a beautifully bound journal when I started teaching, so that I could write down all my accomplishments and accolades.  It lasted a month and then I tucked it away, not comfortable with self-praise.  Years later, he still chastises me about it, so for today’s post I decided to look back at the many comments left by readers and immortalize them in a poem:  a found poem.  The words are yours, dear reader, the composition mine.

Kindred spirit,
honest, vulnerable
and courageous –
multi-generational dysfunction
and emotional pain –
hang in there;
difficult times make us see,
realizations come from the traumatic

We are in a living/waking dream,
strangely beautiful,
making headway –
great lessons
great work –
a story of triumph

You’re not alone;
we need less silence,
and more support –

writing is exhausting,
brave, and compassionate,
haunts
a stable reality,
pads the everyday frustrations

progression
polished
heartfelt
touching,
shines through,
thoughtfulness
compelling

Fight the power,
kindness still exists,
smart women are the coolest
witty, plain speaking, insightful
escaping restrictions,
living the dream

Good hunting
measured existence
suits your compass
wise words
a jewel
true reminder

vital
powerful
awesome
stunning
applause
Amen Sister!

(There you have it; aren’t we incredible as a whole?!  Thank you for your time and comments.  It means so much to me.)