I haven’t shared much about my poetry practice here on Victoria Ponders but it’s a part of my life and a tool that I return to for reflection and resolution.
I love a good ‘free write’ and while I’ve written about other poetry in the past, taking a few minutes to allow a stanza or two to flow, unprompted, is almost always restorative. A different type of ‘meditative moment’.
Why the leaning into poetry this week? I had two difficult conversations recently with people who thought they were managing me. I could detect nuances of truth behind a scripted veil of detachment… and I was disconcerted to say the least.
One of the characteristics I value most is authenticity and while I might be bamboozled from time to time, I trust my gut when it comes to manipulative folks. Mostly I don’t have time for them and as I tend to my reactions, especially the incongruence between words and deeds, I’ve learned I can move on.
In my head and heart, I retrieve my handy spotlight and take a gander at the interaction in question. Hit replay and rewind. See the situation, listen to the words, recall the details. And often? Writing it out helps to put punctuation to the experience so I can carry on. Here’s the piece I wrote this week:
The Mismatch
Fraught with malaise and feeling less
I push forward with purpose, striving for more
And I find my footing despite the duress
I challenge my thoughts, try to restore
The calm. The calm I can claim but it’s just out of reach
I stretch with resolve, despite the discord
The naysayers and critics who hide behind smiles
Slithery and practiced, well-chosen words
That dissolve into spite behind silent doors
I grasp for kindness, wanting to believe
But honesty cloaked is always deceit
Thanks for reading…here’s to the care and keeping of YOU however you get there. Poetry sometimes does it for me and I adore a good ‘last line’…‘honesty cloaked is always deceit’ was the conclusion I sought.
Vicki ❤
Victoria Ponders 
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