It’s been a while since I posted here on Lit Bits and Pieces.
I’ve often written around the idea of “Why I Write” but hardly ever on why I don’t write.
Reasons are not so mysterious. There’s really only one: Life.
When I would write:
A dog that is sleeping suddenly wants to go out
A preoccupied husband suddenly wants to converse
A fascinating TV series needs watching (with said husband, of course)
A lesson needs teaching, meaning I need to study
A burning question needs researching, which in turn spawns countless other questions
A book calls to be read, hummingbirds call to be fed, and precious granddaughters call to sleep over, loving to stay up and not go to bed
And I grow tired.
Not to mention that I am always, always, always writing in my mind, so much so that I can be in another place entirely, needing to force myself back to the present moment and physical surroundings (who says time travel isn’t real?).
Today, however, I dipped back into the poetry-crafting community over at Ethical ELA for the monthly Open Write. The prompt is too perfect: Getting “back” to something.
It’s a great day to get back in the flow.
So here I go.
Back to the Drawing Board
Time colors
my hair silver
my eyes dimmer
my bones thinner
my veins larger
my challenges greater.
It would color
my spirit
but my spirit
is timeless.
It still sings, my spirit;
still stretches its wings
for ever how old
I am
I remain
a canvas
for God to do
new things.
Pencil and eraser on paper. Shawn Campbell. CC BY 2.0
with thanks to Kim and Glenda over at Ethical ELA for hosting today’s Open Write and to the insightful friend who sent an encouraging text this week re: God doing new things.
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Fran, a lovely post here today! Life does call to us so much of the time, especially as we write. It’s such a great feeling to be needed in so many ways! I have never heard anyone else say this thing I do too: I am always, always, always writing in my mind, so much so that I can be in another place entirely…. Can I just say it? Me too! So much that sometimes my actual finger is moving in cursive on my leg spelling words and I secretly wonder if someone will think I have aged out to the point of the circling finger. Lordy, I love what you write and the cross connections. I was a little grief-stricken over losing my Fitz, and I haven’t told you yet, but I got a new miniature schnauzer. And he is what is calling to me now while I try to read and write. Take care and I hope all is well!
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Oh, Kim – ever the kindred spirit! First: Thank you for this comment and your caring thoughts. I mourn dear old Fitz for you, rest his precious soul. As I’ve written before: Yes, dogs surely have souls, so pure, bright, and obvious in their eyes. Delighted to know a new mini schnauzer has come to live at the Johnson Funny Farm – I must know this new addition’s name! Is it writerly, in keeping with your theme? Although our four-footed friends have an uncanny knack of sleeping until we sit to write, whereupon they become astonishingly needy or mischievous, I wouldn’t trade their company for the world. Great to hear from you. I hope to get back to a more consistent writing routine – from my head to actual words to share. I miss this!
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What delight to pop by your blog and see this poem! It’s lovely to ponder what new things God might do on our canvas. Here’s to embracing our timeless spirits.
I could identify with many of the reasons you haven’t been writing. It’s been a slow writing season for me too.
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Thank you for popping by, Ramona! I hope to get back to a regular writing routine…a blogging one, that is. Last year I felt the need to reread the Bible and did so with a journaling study on the character of God. That’s another big reason my blog went on hiatus. A sacrifice of sorts. Well worth it. It is wonderful to hear form you and I appreciate your words so much, as always. Hope you all are yours are well. Here’s to all our writing to come!
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