Shaping the Landscape

I am enclosed under a canopy of overhanging shade,

where majestic trees rustle in dappled sunlight.

I am surrounded by shapes, by twisted fronds

of birds’ nest ferns and leaf spikes that

thrust sharply upwards against the light.

A spring bubbles through cushions

of moss. Dark green waters trail

water lilies; water boatmen

judder across the surface

of the pond. Softness,

sharpness, textured

and structured,

mingle together,

cradling me in

the shelter

of their

arms.

Julia Duke

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Post Traumatic Stress

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Always with Us

The morning is cold, The sky is black, An emotion called grief, Is on your back. The storm is ferocious, Emotions peek and trough, The boat is disabled, By our indescribable loss. Gradually the storm, Will begin to ease, Giving breath to talk, Reflect and believe. But just round the corner, With just the breeze, The storm returns, You are on your knees. The sea is unpredictable, The sails carry us along, We begin to feel, Our loved one isn’t gone. With love and care, These storms will pass, The boat’s in order, The sails half mast. It’s a long journey, The boat begins to move with grace, It makes you feel relaxed, And puts a smile on your face, We can recall the memories, With all the love in our heart, They will always be with us, We will never be apart. by Tonya

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A Cold Wind

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Torn Apart

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