The Ribbon I Wear In My Hair

The world has swallowed me whole
and I cannot find a torch nor
feel the light that once saturated
my childhood.

What is courage when there is
nothing to lose? This journey
through the badlands has rubbed
the downy softness from hope's
feather while the nub of it rests
between my ribs.

I am riddled with life,
a burdensome load that shifts
precipitously.

I must adjust my footing with care.

Decisions,
like minefields, can have
cataclysmic consequences.

Yet, during moments
of crisp air and laughter
a luminosity appears behind
the darkness.  This halo
beckons and reminds me
that the real gift
is the ribbon wound around it all
that I choose to wear in my hair.

Reviews

[Jack...]

Indeed, life is surrounded in a beautiful array of colorful ribbons, if we look we will find them waiting for us. Very nicely done, I like the thoughts portrayed in this poem, the journey and the steps that lead us to open our eyes and rejoice in what we have.

[icelandicblue]

Jack,

I thank you for your lovely comment.

[KAOlmsted]

It really is the little things in life, isn't it...it's that moment when you finally see the importance in shaking off the burdens of those decisions, even if just for a moment, taking a step back, and just breathing. Powerful imagery here, too. That second stanza is pure gold.

[icelandicblue]

Yes, it's just so hard to remember that when you are mired in the moment. I try but not always successfully. I think I wrote this to remind myself that all is not lost even when life is dark. Thanks so much for your insightful review.

[KAOlmsted]

Nodding my head in agreement here. Always my pleasure!

[Muse]

This is the embodiment of great poetry:

What is courage when there is
nothing to lose? This journey
through the badlands has rubbed
the downy softness from hope's
feather while the nub of it rests
between my ribs.

I felt the scraps on my knee's. It was if "innocence" suffered a rug burn.

[icelandicblue]

Hi Muse,

Thank you so much Muse. I am humbled that you felt these words the way that you did.

[MonsterWriter]

I like the poem but I can not understand what is the change? Can you please write back too me so I can find out? I can only think of a little girl growing up in war when I read this am I right or wrong?

[icelandicblue]

Hi,
The poem is about feeling all is lost only to find joy in the simple things in life that we usually take for granted. Thank you for commenting.

[MonsterWriter]

Your welcome and I understand now.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

"decisions,
like minefields, can have
cataclysmic consequences"

wow, that is a great analogy...and so well placed in this poem...

we have to have courage when there is everything to lose.

[icelandicblue]

Thanks jacob- I'm happy you liked that particular line. It's true we do have courage when we have everything to lose.

[Sheila Kline]

Your words are a lovely way to express the way we handle problems, and the decisions we must make to settle it all. I like the analogy of the ribbon in your hair.
It is the real gift after all!!

[icelandicblue]

Thanks so much Sheila. It's easier said than done but we've got to try and adorn those special simple moments when we can.

[Carolann Dowsett]

The world can be a dangerous place indeed. I love how you wove it all together in the end with your ribbon. It shows a ray of light in an otherwise darkened world.

[icelandicblue]

Thanks so much for your comment. You are right the world is dangerous and life is hard but for it to all make sense it must be more than that. Thanks again!

[Carolann Dowsett]

Welcome :)

[Sami Khalil]

This as a great write full of wisdom about life and its journey . So many good lines to quote. Keep up this great way...:)

[icelandicblue]

Thank you for leaving your kind words for me to find.

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome. My pleasure. I will be visiting often...:)

[Stacey Watts]

This was beautiful. The world is not always a pretty place. It is nice to be able to find some peace in your words. Excellent work.

[icelandicblue]

Thanks so much Stacey. I appreciate your kind comments.

[Distant horizons]

Seeing light within darkness and remembering there is more than now. Wonderful write.

[icelandicblue]

Thank you, I am pleased you enjoyed it.

[Distant horizons]

:-)