Since putting together that poetry workshop I have been into writing poems. Here's three attempts (gulp) now. Feel free to share yours. I'll put them in with the workshop responses I got.
Dr. Bonnie Henry
Adam’s rib
Carries command
Used to perfection
Skilled proof
Quiet humility
Confident stature
Consistent truth
Grace, kindness, empathy.
Baked.
Built.
Constructed
A house of trust,
A spirit of willingness,
A shelter of safety,
A home of love.
True, strong, north and free.
Thank you.
Another one after seeing a wonderful vigil for Nova Scotia that really moved me.
nova scotia
devastation too great
to believe
there are no words
a man gone wrong
disguised as respect
abiding citizens
innocent and blameless
their trail of blood.
washed by a trail of tears.
our hearts are crushed
yours are shattered.
casseroles and cards
prayers and poems
we enter their tombs
to be with you
we mourn
your loss, our nation, a globe
for you, for us, for our world
barely standing.
you brought our own pain
out from stoic caverns
cathartic and necessary.
you allowed us to grieve
receive us too.
we’ll fly a flag
of vivid blue and white
colored with our own family’s hue
you’ll recognize us
our unified grief
becomes the weft in the weave
that time will heal
into a tapestry of hope
The story is not over
it is not final, we’ll see them again
we’ll embrace them again
and never let go
And the last one. A bit of humor to end on
Shaggy Bangs and Shot Elastic
Underwear that won’t stay up
Socks that strangle big toes
T-shirts that lost their shape
Embarrassment hanging on the line.
Why did I let them go so long?
Ear hair
Chin hair
Eyebrows in your eyes.
Razors kits delivered by drone
Mom's cuts, brush cuts, buzz cuts,
rainforest hair, roots above ground
Fingernails, toenails, armpits
How did it get to be Friday again?
Hack job, no job ...
Thank goodness for isolation.