Today’s poem was inspired by finding an event in my calendar that apparently one year ago me decided to leave for future me. It was a heads up that the weather is probably changing which means my skin is probably pissed, or will be soon. It gave some love, reassurance, and reminders of how to…
These days, I typically only get asked about my religious beliefs when I’m at my yearly physical, or in triage at the hospital. Which is to say, it’s not super common. Still, I always chuckle to myself when they ask. Is it in case I die here today? So they’ll know which type of spiritual…
There were children murdered and injured at school yesterday. There were children murdered at school yesterday, once again, and we didn’t even talk about it. We went to bed, woke up, ate breakfast— business as usual on the surface. I felt hollow sending her off to school, kissing my husband goodbye. Is it on his…
The man who reads the skies says today will feel like 105—never mind the thermometers,conspiring and lying at 96. Who decides what it will feel likeand what kind of scale do they use?Is there a finger licked andthrust up into the windor do they poll sweaty people melting down the city streets? Is there a…
I tend to this guiltThat gnaws at my heelsNo matter the shoes I wearOr the role I play that day I carry this guiltLike a babyToo heavy for its sling When I choose to spend my daysIn the service of children Who aren’t you And I hear myself tell other parentsHow quality time with their children Is…
I am a fanOscillating between cool breezeAnd dry, intense heat I am a childCarefreeThen tantruming I am FloridaSunshine permeatingThen storm and take cover I am the BuddhaUnattached and acceptingI am NapoleonEverything a threat I am a dogUnburdened, rolling on my backI am a wolfWild-eyed and roaming I am compassionI am disgust I am readyI am…
In book club the other night, a question was posed to the group, “Do you trust yourself?” Crickets for a while, then a few stifled laughs, and then a waterfall of “no” and “absolutely not” answers spilled out around the 12-foot table. I thought for a while about it, as deeply as one can possibly…
Will this week feel fluid or fixedWill I exercise on the days I’m supposed toI even wrote it in red and set the alarms Should I have washed that spinach before eating itWill I take walks and lunch breaks as I promised my calendar I would Will I remember to breathe from my belly, not…
The Other Courtney 