Friday, June 3, 2011

Six Words: Inviting Joy

elder wise

edges of her age worn lips
lift ever so slightly upwards suddenly
eyes, having seen years of heartache - -
scrimping on fullfilling desire [always responsible]
ignoring inner yearning to follow protocol
accepting adult obligations, foresaking all whimsy
saving energy to pursue elusive success
growing older in eye blink time --
now those eyes shimmer;  excitement renewed:

little girl at play [she reminisces]
holds loosely to lace and spins
whirling once-stationary winds in circles
giddy with merriment of simple play
hair tossled, eyes closed, head skyward
dizzy'd, she staggers and drops to knees
legs akimbo, laughter echoing against buildings 
then, rising slowly, palms smooth dress
and skipping (subtly) away toward womanhood.

once she knew such carefree joy
abundant pleasure in passionate, spontaneous play
where'd that little girl skip off?
she wonders momentarily, widening her smile
eyes twinkling, head dropping back, then
twirling slowly on ancient, unsteady legs:

invites back the spirit of yesterday.

six words

9 comments:

Adrienne said...

This is really lovely. Such a picture you paint with your words ~ Love the close, the image of twirling on unsteady legs to invite back the spirit of yesterday. Wonderful!

ayala said...

"Invites back the spirit of yesterday" this is lovely from beginning to end. :)

Ashley Sisk said...

Wonderful passage - did you write that? Love it. And amazing portrait.

Anonymous said...

Wow, this is really moving and beautiful. Legs akimbo - love it! I also L.O.V.E that photo, and I wanted to say that I really like your banner. What joy in reading your blog today!!

Anonymous said...

I love, love, love this! Sometimes we are weighted down by responsibility. But surely we can remember how to play?
My mom had a gift for playfulness that I am trying to emulate.
This also reminds me of the poem "When I Am Old I Shall Wear Purple."

Colleen said...

Very beautiful.

Melissa said...

This makes me happy. We can always invite the joy back into our lives, even if it's been hiding awhile. :)

Tessa said...

so lovely and inspiring.
And your kiddos pics at the top? SWOON. So gorgeous!

cj Schlottman said...

This is absolutely beautiful. Your concrete images give it great strength and power. Oh, and I love the photo!

Namaste..........cj