I'm so behind on my reading (and writing)!!!! BUT I know I was Meant to read this wondrous poem today, not earlier. Today - after a phone meeting with my friend, a monk and priest. And what did we discuss? The hurt of a betrayal...how I can't quite unhook from it until I look deeply into the past (Erik Erickson stuff - stages of life) and grasp what is really being hooked. Then, presto - healing!
Such an incredible poem, Sam. The language you use to describe the anger of a father through the eyes of a child is so vivid. It caused me to reflect on my own moments of anger towards my son (while never physically abusive) — I find myself “letting thunder trail off into the distance” (for his sake and mine!) But I think of how terrifying those moments are for my son, before the anger quells. I know this was a difficult one to share. Thank you for your honesty. You told it gracefully and the honor is not lost.
thank you for your thoughtful comment, Micah. i’ve often thought about that myself with my own children. i’m told i have a strong voice, and when it’s raised, it can be intimidating. i’ve caught myself often having to take deep breaths and settle my own rage. if anything, when we do that, our thinking becomes more clear, our response more instructional than disciplinary.
I read your piece as if I were hearing you perform it as spoken word—strange because I’ve never heard your voice before—but each break emphasized the next phrase, stage, and the release you described at the end. Truly profound! I’ll sit with this piece as I ponder my own childhood trauma and my own journey to steadfast forgiveness. Truly, thank you for sharing.
thank you for the comment, Willynn. if you want to listen to the audio recording, you can find it on the Medium versionof Scribe. it was published yesterday!
I'm so behind on my reading (and writing)!!!! BUT I know I was Meant to read this wondrous poem today, not earlier. Today - after a phone meeting with my friend, a monk and priest. And what did we discuss? The hurt of a betrayal...how I can't quite unhook from it until I look deeply into the past (Erik Erickson stuff - stages of life) and grasp what is really being hooked. Then, presto - healing!
thank you, Jeni. sometimes the star align just so! : )
Such an incredible poem, Sam. The language you use to describe the anger of a father through the eyes of a child is so vivid. It caused me to reflect on my own moments of anger towards my son (while never physically abusive) — I find myself “letting thunder trail off into the distance” (for his sake and mine!) But I think of how terrifying those moments are for my son, before the anger quells. I know this was a difficult one to share. Thank you for your honesty. You told it gracefully and the honor is not lost.
thank you for your thoughtful comment, Micah. i’ve often thought about that myself with my own children. i’m told i have a strong voice, and when it’s raised, it can be intimidating. i’ve caught myself often having to take deep breaths and settle my own rage. if anything, when we do that, our thinking becomes more clear, our response more instructional than disciplinary.
Yes, that awareness makes all the difference. I hope and pray that I am constantly aware of my anger and how to stay present in those moments.
Hauntingly beautiful poetry
Glad you feel to share
It may help others
Blessings
thank you, Michelle. it's taken a long time, but this too i was able to overcome.
Beautiful!
I read your piece as if I were hearing you perform it as spoken word—strange because I’ve never heard your voice before—but each break emphasized the next phrase, stage, and the release you described at the end. Truly profound! I’ll sit with this piece as I ponder my own childhood trauma and my own journey to steadfast forgiveness. Truly, thank you for sharing.
thank you for the comment, Willynn. if you want to listen to the audio recording, you can find it on the Medium versionof Scribe. it was published yesterday!