why poetry? why photography?

i sit criss-cross

below this window

that was once

tightly blinded

to keep out the sun

i snap this shot

*contre-jour*

lean forward and

raise the pane wide

autumn wind rustles

the hanging lace that

tickles my face and

kisses my cheek

billowing and draping

with each breath of nature

like a swinging child

beckoning me

to come out and play

This post was written in response to High Calling's PhotoPlay and Tweetspeak's poetry prompt.  Thank you to Kelly who shared the journey behind her photos and moved me on a day when I was stuck contre-jour.

to the left of the centre

if you exact with a surgeon’s skill,

to the left of the center,

beneath the bony shield of sternum,

suspended in tough ligament,

nestled in a spongy notch of lung,

you will see the pumping, deep pink muscle

that keeps blood pulsing

through me.

if you close your eyes and reach me

to the left of the center you will see

a throne where I worship at His feet

a soft chair where He whispers to me

a legacy, victory, my daughter Tori

friends who carry me when I am weak

who mirror back my grace and beauty

a precious bridge walking to trust and intimacy

broken bodies healing

          through Loving support and connected feeling

psalm 23, john 15, 16, 17

(Jesus prayed for me!)

van gogh churches and starry scenes

satie, rodin and debussy

parisian streets and cemeteries

a daisy

family heritage, reworked, redeemed

to the left of the center come meet me

This post was created in response to the prompt "to the left of the centre" at

je suis belle

"je suis belle"

no matter how great

his mortal strength
her eyes plead
the horizon
for safe passage
an escape from
unwarranted
uninvited
idolatry that reigns
when he tries
to name her
to save her from
the shame that
always lurks
in her shadow

every sinew in

his form strains

with the weight

of her oppression

his arms engulf her

without connection

to her soul

his embrace

embodies the fortress

that keeps her

from flight

absolution abides beyond              

her captivity

where Redemption flings wide

the gate to her freedom



 

Photos taken at the Rodin Museum, Philadelphia PA

(top) "Je Suis Belle"

(center foreground) "Je Suis Belle"

(center background) "Shame (Absolution)

(bottom) "Shame (Absolution)"