BREATHE

BREATHE

A Poem by ReedWrite
"

starting over

"


Breathe.

Take that first shuddering inhalation,

          as you realize you’re no longer cowed.

Baffling. Confusing. Hesitant smile.

 

Breathe.

Draw in the smell of fear and redemption,

          as uncertain feet force you forward.

Misgivings. Qualms. Butterfly tummy.

 

There are broken pieces, but,

It’s okay.

You’re okay.

It’s a slow road back, but,

                It’s okay.

                         You are okay.

 

Breathe.

That’s courage coursing through your veins,

          as you square your shoulders and face what is.

Panic. Dread. Clenched jaw.

 

Breathe.

That’s freedom you feel stirring your lungs,

          as you look at the world with new eyes.

Startling. Overwhelming. Wondrous sight.

 

You don’t know how, but,

                It’s okay.

You’re okay.

There are no road maps, but,

It’s okay.

                         You are okay.


 

Breathe.

That’s it. One lungful at a time. Slow and easy.

Breathe.

You’ve got this. You’re stronger than you think.

Breathe.

It’s as easy as taking that next lungful of air,

So breathe.

Just

Breathe.

© 2016 ReedWrite


Author's Note

ReedWrite
Not sure where this came from. I'm sitting here, door open to my deck, fall trees outside and a cool breeze wafting in, hot coffee beside me. I'm editing chapters of my novel, and then, out of nowhere, come the first words for this poem. Literally, out of nowhere. So...I stop...write them down...and wonder, wtf, right? Not sure how polished this is, but wanted to get it out there while it was still fresh. Before I overthink things. Let me know what you think...edits are a writer's best friend.

My Review

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Featured Review

The structure of this is great, like inner thoughts pushing back with confidence and providing a guiding hand. The motions that follow those thoughts are so real in their depiction as well. Many people could use words like those above right now. Thanks for sharing, I'm glad I read this.

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

ReedWrite

7 Years Ago

Thank you Jack. I'm glad you liked it.
And thank you for the read and review. Appreciate it.
Jack Necron (Aubrey Jack Peaslee)

7 Years Ago

You're welcome!



Reviews

Polished or not, I liked it very much. The essence seems to be that no matter what, keep going, you can do it. It reminded me of the phrase, I don't remember where it came from. "No matter the circumstance, remember that, this too shall pass."

Take care - Dave

Posted 4 Years Ago


'BREATHE'
ReedWrite,
With each breath you show the place of strength. I can identify as I am sure many can. It is in periods when we are quiet and give ourselves permission to draw strength. The natural world with it's refreshing breezes and our freedom which helps so much. I appreciate you drawing all of us in to your experience. More of this is needed in this world.
Blessings,
Kathy


Posted 4 Years Ago


If I were an onion I might cry at this. It has a lot of feeling. It has a strong message. I may ...ahem...'borrow' your layout stylings (just saying) because I got the idea that the first steps were stumbling but the centre-aligned indicated a 'straightening up and fly right' attitude.
And you say this just came to you... on your porch...
(Note to self : build porch - they will come)

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

ReedWrite

7 Years Ago

LOL...build porch...they will come. A baseball fan? Borrow away. I am not a conventional writer, .. read more
Tony Jordan

7 Years Ago

Haha - yes i'd go with the porch lol.
I'm into the feels part of writing too - I haven't test.. read more
OMG I love this piece!! I felt so calm as I was reading this. It was exactly what I needed. Thank you!

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

ReedWrite

7 Years Ago

Thank you so much Gullia. So glad you enjoyed it.
Appreciate you taking time to read and comm.. read more
The structure of this is great, like inner thoughts pushing back with confidence and providing a guiding hand. The motions that follow those thoughts are so real in their depiction as well. Many people could use words like those above right now. Thanks for sharing, I'm glad I read this.

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

ReedWrite

7 Years Ago

Thank you Jack. I'm glad you liked it.
And thank you for the read and review. Appreciate it.
Jack Necron (Aubrey Jack Peaslee)

7 Years Ago

You're welcome!
I enjoyed this piece. It's refreshing and encouraging. A process of life and thought!! Wisdom and encouragement in one poem! I'm glad you wrote it down! I'm going to save it for those days when I need it!
Tabby

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

ReedWrite

7 Years Ago

Thank you, Tabby. Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for reading and commenting.

Much wisdom and courage portrayed in your poem. Your words did not come from no where or from the top of your head. they are too deep and carry too much conviction. I cannot tell you why they came together at that particular moment but it is a strong message that your inner self chose to release. There is something in your words for all of us. Thank you for sharing, i enjoyed your work very much.
Richie b.

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

ReedWrite

7 Years Ago

Thank you, Richie. Appreciate your words very much, and that you took the time to read and comment.
Lessons learned...this has the taste of after-the-fact rather than during the event. Sometimes the echoes haunt for a bit ya know?

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

ReedWrite

7 Years Ago

yes..I know. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
well to me I see this as a new beginning. starting over.. taking the leap.. go.. breathe my darling.. everything will be alright.

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

ReedWrite

7 Years Ago

Yes...in many ways that is spot on, Deer! Thanks for taking time to read and comment.
This is such a wonderful depiction of courage in action. Just breathe. "That's courage coursing through your veins" and "That's freedom you feel stirring your lungs" are magnificent lines. I really love this. Good job!

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

ReedWrite

7 Years Ago

Thank you, D! So glad you enjoyed it.

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812 Views
24 Reviews
Rating
Shelved in 2 Libraries
Added on October 29, 2016
Last Updated on November 3, 2016
Tags: fear, time to move on, loss, Love, courage, moving forward, pain, freedom

Author

ReedWrite
ReedWrite

Omaha, NE



About
After a decade trapped by distractions, I'm pursuing my passion once again. I come from a military background...a Navy brat...and my father (now deceased) and brother, are both published writers...so .. more..

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