All the Time
Tiny Lights, Poem 18
“You have everything inside that you need right now.”
The inspiration for this poem…
This poem came to represent the resilience that has walked through life with me. It was one of those poems that wrote itself as if I already knew exactly what it was going to say and just needed to copy it down. It covers everything from starting with the spark that has always been there; to it being there whether we know it or not; to nothing being able to take or diminish it; to the fact that no amount of trauma or celebrity will ever lessen it; no matter what we name it, it is a miracle, and it’s beginnings lie in a Greater Mystery. I often end my readings with this poem as it encapsulates the story of all my poetry making it somewhat iconic. This is a poem that can stand all on its own. It’s the message we all need to hear and believe. Which is why this poem became my children’s book!
Writing/Meditation Prompts:
What gives you resilience, or potentially could? What might your version of this poem sound like?
Do any of the obstacles mentioned in the poem resonate for you (i.e. being unaware, time, thinking you can lose it, someone taking or diminishing it, other people getting in the way, your version of Mystery/God, trauma making you think you don’t deserve it, thinking you are just fine or even great without it…)?
What is a constant in your life that comforts and/or helps you through life (or you wish did)? Would you or could you make it likely to be more present? How? What is a constant you’d like less of?
Is there something in your life that would make a great children’s book? What would you call it? How would you illustrate it? Could you draw a cover for it?? :)