You have to accept whatever comes and the only important thing is that you meet it with courage and with the best you have to give.
–Eleanor Roosevelt
This month’s spiritual journey topic is from Susan Koehler, abundance. At this time in my grief, I’m aware of the abundance of people who care about me. I have received cards and flowers, texts and messages of love and support. These expressions are good, well-meaning, thoughtful yet sometimes difficult to accept. I’m much more comfortable on the giving end rather than receiving.
Susan offers a poem on her post today, one that can be used as a mentor text. This kind of exercise often helps me say what I mean to say without having to decide on the form. Last week during #verselove on Ethical ELA, Jessica Wiley offered a mentor text by Eloise Greenfield titled By Myself.
I worked through this prompt a few times and would like to share this draft today.
By Myself
after Eloise GreenfieldWhen I’m by myself
Margaret Simon, draft
and I close my eyes,
I’m a running river
everchanging, yet steady in its way to go.
I’m a scent of yellow.
I’m a half-filled cup of tea.
I like to sit alone with me.
I grip myself in
I’m a string of violin,
time unfolding, worth gentle holding.
I’m a space for filling up again.
I open my eyes,
and find myself in me.
Reflections on the Teche 
Margaret, your words are precious drops of abundance for me to soak in. “I’m a half-filled cup of tea,” line soothes me and gives me warmth. Each one of your lines is a song of praise. I enjoyed the quiet-time thoughts that allowed you to find yourself in life today. May blessings and peace fill your day.
Margaret, your photo and your words are so lovely. Your subtle use of rhyme mimics a river’s flow…”everchanging, yet steady in its way to go.” I love that. I’m reminded that things of the past and things of the future are not inaccessible. They are all a part of this river. Thank you.
“worth gentle holding . . . a space for filling up again.” These words followed by your beautiful sunrise pic are a blessing. May the love and caring of others carry you through these days and help you navigate the days to come. Hugs, my friend.
So much beauty in your poem, Margaret; “time unfolding/worth gentle holding” and space worth filling up again – every line just shines, especially against the backdrop of grief and loss. I understand about it being hard to be the receiver vs. the giver of blessing…I see it more as being a conduit… allowing others to bless us being a blessing to them. My thoughts and heart remain with you. And what a glorious sunrise photo!
I’m so very sorry to learn of the loss of your father. Please know I am thinking of you and your family.
I love this poem and this line is going to keep me thinking:
“I’m a space for filling up again.”
Sending love, Margaret! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com