We’ve made it through from the beginning of the month to the end . And for that, I am thankful. Here’s to another day, another month, and another year of poeming together!
For today’s prompt, write a praise poem. Praise your health or the taste of chocolate cake. Pen an ode to normalcy (whatever that is) or expound on the wonders of your favorite pen (for me, it’s either the Pilot G-2 or Pilot Precise V5). Have a favorite song? A favorite saying? Today is a perfect day to sing its praises.
Remember: These prompts are just springboards; you have the freedom to jump in any direction you want. In other words, it’s more important to write a new poem than to stick to the prompt. — Robert Lee Brewer, Writer’s Digest
in praise of you
yes you,
ok, I can’t see you
but I am aware
that you are doing your best
sometimes it’s so hard
you’ve tried something new
because it seemed like the time
you’ve fought to keep up
that good habit you were just forming
you’ve been tempted
to be down about
your perceived flaws and failings
but strived to let go,
to not be so hard on yourself
you’ve set aside time
to just be
and not feel pressure to do
none of this perfectly
maybe not even well
sometimes just passably
and there have been some failures
but you are doing your best
and sometimes it’s so hard
For a subset of people, their love language is “words of affirmation.” Hearing that they’re seen and appreciated, their efforts are noticed, that they make a difference — these words can renew and refresh them.
I have one lovely friend who, like me, is a mother who lost a son. A few months ago, just by chance, we developed a sort of secret code between the two of us. Now whenever we are together (or at least back in the days when people still got together!), we would embrace, and say quietly to each other, “I see you.” I don’t know if words of affirmation is her primary love language. It isn’t mine. But our new ritual is deeply meaningful to me. Leslie, even while we are apart, I see you.
I don’t know who is reading this, or what your struggles have been during this time of isolation. But I do know you’re doing your best. I’m sure some days, that doesn’t seem very good. Same here, yeah. Same here. It still is good. It’s good enough. I hope my words remind you to feel your own strength. I think you’re doing just fine.