Breath | An Original Poem

About the PoemI initially wrote this poem a few months ago for a mentor as a parting gift. I was leaving earlier than expected after volunteering with her for a month. I found it spoke quite truly of my own experience - due to a series of difficulties, continuing there had proven to be quite challenging, but leaving was equally tough. I also had no idea what I was going to do next. For most of my life I've had a plan, or at least direction, and now the uncertainty seemed like a dead end. Writing this reminded me of the nature of life itself and how it embodies breath, how every living thing breathes itself into existence and that I, too, cannot fight the necessity to let go in order to take in.
source: alcinoo on giphy

The new year usually comes with a flurry of resolutions that, let's face it, no one really keeps up. There is something about the new year that somehow implies a fresh start or a clean slate – I don't agree. I think beginnings can happen anytime, that there is always opportunity for change in our own lives.

Original artwork done with softpastels and water colours

For me, the new year isn't so much a mark of a new beginning as it is a reminder of transience, of change, of flow and of time. And for me it is a time to reflect, to consciously bring to awareness what has passed and intent and invitation for what is to come. Which is why this poem seemed relevant now, a reminder to embrace change, to let it flow, to take in, to let go, to breathe. This year I intend to create more, to listen to the inner voice and let it flow through words, through dance, through art. As I take in inspiration I want to let go of self-doubt and apprehension.
I really enjoyed writing this and bringing the elements alive through breath. I hope you like it and that it resonates with you! Let me know what you think and what you want to take in and let go of this year.

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The Poem


Breath

Inhale.
Exhale.
Informing life
the Universe reflects
what goes on inside;

the Ocean breathes
in waves,
blackholes yawn,
fire gasps
as earth heaves,
and mountains hold their breath,
wheezing out volcanoes.

Seasons come and go,
collapsing breath
into one another.
And as the world goes on
                                             inspiring,
                              expiring,
it is almost poetic
we choose to live for
moments that take
our breath away,
for they cannot last,
                                 or we won't.

So, we, transient,
       we, sentient,
        we transcend,
        we grow,
So, we bloom,
       we wilt,
        we take in,
        we let go,

        we breathe.

An image of the poem typewritten along with an original painting done with water colours on canvas paper

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Note: Since I wrote this a while ago, it is also up on my personal website