BREATHE

starting over

Breathe.

Take that first shuddering inhalation,

          as you realize you’re no longer cowed.

Baffling. Confusing. Hesitant smile.

 

Breathe.

Draw in the smell of fear and redemption,

          as uncertain feet force you forward.

Misgivings. Qualms. Butterfly tummy.

 

There are broken pieces, but,

It’s okay.

You’re okay.

It’s a slow road back, but,

                It’s okay.

                         You are okay.

 

Breathe.

That’s courage coursing through your veins,

          as you square your shoulders and face what is.

Panic. Dread. Clenched jaw.

 

Breathe.

That’s freedom you feel stirring your lungs,

          as you look at the world with new eyes.

Startling. Overwhelming. Wondrous sight.

 

You don’t know how, but,

                It’s okay.

You’re okay.

There are no road maps, but,

It’s okay.

                         You are okay.

 

Breathe.

That’s it. One lungful at a time. Slow and easy.

Breathe.

You’ve got this. You’re stronger than you think.

Breathe.

It’s as easy as taking that next lungful of air,

So breathe.

Just

Breathe.

Author's Note

Not sure where this came from. I'm sitting here, door open to my deck, fall trees outside and a cool breeze wafting in, hot coffee beside me. I'm editing chapters of my novel, and then, out of nowhere, come the first words for this poem. Literally, out of nowhere. So...I stop...write them down...and wonder, wtf, right? Not sure how polished this is, but wanted to get it out there while it was still fresh. Before I overthink things. Let me know what you think...edits are a writer's best friend.

Reviews

[Jack Necron (Aubrey Jac..]

The structure of this is great, like inner thoughts pushing back with confidence and providing a guiding hand. The motions that follow those thoughts are so real in their depiction as well. Many people could use words like those above right now. Thanks for sharing, I'm glad I read this.

[ReedWrite]

Thank you Jack. I'm glad you liked it.
And thank you for the read and review. Appreciate it.

[Jack Necron (Aubrey Jack Peaslee)]

You're welcome!

[Dave]

Polished or not, I liked it very much. The essence seems to be that no matter what, keep going, you can do it. It reminded me of the phrase, I don't remember where it came from. "No matter the circumstance, remember that, this too shall pass."

Take care - Dave

[Kathy Van Kurin]

'BREATHE'
ReedWrite,
With each breath you show the place of strength. I can identify as I am sure many can. It is in periods when we are quiet and give ourselves permission to draw strength. The natural world with it's refreshing breezes and our freedom which helps so much. I appreciate you drawing all of us in to your experience. More of this is needed in this world.
Blessings,
Kathy

[Tony Jordan]

If I were an onion I might cry at this. It has a lot of feeling. It has a strong message. I may ...ahem...'borrow' your layout stylings (just saying) because I got the idea that the first steps were stumbling but the centre-aligned indicated a 'straightening up and fly right' attitude.
And you say this just came to you... on your porch...
(Note to self : build porch - they will come)

[ReedWrite]

LOL...build porch...they will come. A baseball fan? Borrow away. I am not a conventional writer, for sure. I like to experiment. As a right-brained person, I rely more on 'how it feels'...than whether all the rules boxes are properly ticked. You caught the exact meaning of that layout...becoming more centered...and I'm not promising it was the porch that inspired that. It might have been the Bailey's-laced coffee...or possibly the...okay, never mind. It was the porch. Definitely the porch. :D

[Tony Jordan]

Haha - yes i'd go with the porch lol.
I'm into the feels part of writing too - I haven't tested my brain yet for dexterity - I'm pretty sure it would be crap at holding stuff like a cup of Baileys coffee though.
;p

[Giulia King]

OMG I love this piece!! I felt so calm as I was reading this. It was exactly what I needed. Thank you!

[ReedWrite]

Thank you so much Gullia. So glad you enjoyed it.
Appreciate you taking time to read and comment.

[Tabby Mac]

I enjoyed this piece. It's refreshing and encouraging. A process of life and thought!! Wisdom and encouragement in one poem! I'm glad you wrote it down! I'm going to save it for those days when I need it!
Tabby

[ReedWrite]

Thank you, Tabby. Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for reading and commenting.

[richieb]

Much wisdom and courage portrayed in your poem. Your words did not come from no where or from the top of your head. they are too deep and carry too much conviction. I cannot tell you why they came together at that particular moment but it is a strong message that your inner self chose to release. There is something in your words for all of us. Thank you for sharing, i enjoyed your work very much.
Richie b.

[ReedWrite]

Thank you, Richie. Appreciate your words very much, and that you took the time to read and comment.

[Chris]

Lessons learned...this has the taste of after-the-fact rather than during the event. Sometimes the echoes haunt for a bit ya know?

[ReedWrite]

yes..I know. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.

[DeerInHeadlights]

well to me I see this as a new beginning. starting over.. taking the leap.. go.. breathe my darling.. everything will be alright.

[ReedWrite]

Yes...in many ways that is spot on, Deer! Thanks for taking time to read and comment.

[D Connolly]

This is such a wonderful depiction of courage in action. Just breathe. "That's courage coursing through your veins" and "That's freedom you feel stirring your lungs" are magnificent lines. I really love this. Good job!

[ReedWrite]

Thank you, D! So glad you enjoyed it.