reverb13: day 3
stay open
don’t be afraid of the cracks and wrinkles
the pockmarks and pitfalls
the threadbare and worn spots
this is where you learn
no wait, that’s not right:
this is where you shine
bring your heart out
at least once a year
polish it up
plaster the wounds
give it some air
don’t be afraid
it’s not as fragile as you think
nor as bitter as the taste in your mouth
there is glitter on your tongue
baker’s sugar, marzipan molds
reshape the breaks
repurpose the shards
reuse the molten memories
don’t just lie there
in your mess of sharp edges
bleed a little
.
.
.
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This post is part of Reverb 13:
Day 3: What does your heart have to tell you?
Also joining in today over at dVersePoets for Open Link Night.
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December 3rd, 2013 at 8:27 am
Wise words for the broken hearted, which is probably everyone at some point in their lives. This is one I want to carry with me.
December 3rd, 2013 at 8:41 am
that is where you shine…though i would say you learn there as well…to me those places can become most special…not to live in them but to appreciate them for the stories that go with them…smile.s
December 3rd, 2013 at 10:23 am
Beautiful – thank you.
December 3rd, 2013 at 3:14 pm
Yes, we have to be brave after heartbreak. Just when we want to hide, hold our heart in our own hands and keep it safe, we need to hold our hand palm open, and watch our heart go out into the world.
December 3rd, 2013 at 3:17 pm
Love this Kelly and your ability to always turn a negative into a positive. Inspired.
December 3rd, 2013 at 3:21 pm
Oh bleed a little.. really that made all the difference in your poem.. and shine of course.. somehow I read the bittersweet feelings from the approaching Christmas… not all is joy for everyone.
December 3rd, 2013 at 3:23 pm
Well, just loved this! we shine when we bleed a little
December 3rd, 2013 at 3:24 pm
This wonderful piece chides us & embraces us at the same time; kind of an earth mother message; more than a holiday poem, or Advent verse; this one stands on its own as a panacea against loneliness, depression, or angst; thanks, I needed that.
December 3rd, 2013 at 3:26 pm
Very nice thought. >KB
December 3rd, 2013 at 3:33 pm
Live. Don’t expect perfection – and embrace everything and say “it is OK”. I think our society has lost it’s respect and need of the elderly. I agree, polish up, smile. It’s amazing what joy filled eyes and a genuine smile will do to a “tired” face. Lovely poem, as always.
December 3rd, 2013 at 3:35 pm
Yes, hearts do need to bleed a little. Beautiful thought and stands nicely in the poetic ways. good one 🙂
December 3rd, 2013 at 3:38 pm
Yes, we do get up again, and those broken pieces only add character to our souls.
December 3rd, 2013 at 3:39 pm
Inspired by this poem, I won’t be afraid. Excellent!
December 3rd, 2013 at 3:49 pm
I love your way with words and this poem is exactly why. Bookmarking this.
December 3rd, 2013 at 4:03 pm
Even if you haven’t had a relationship break your heart in that manner, there are all sorts of ways that our hearts get closed off. Your poem is a great reminder to stay open! Love the imagery and the reminder to shine. 🙂
December 3rd, 2013 at 4:05 pm
great encouragement… were you a cheerleader at one time
December 3rd, 2013 at 4:33 pm
hahaha, no, never!
December 3rd, 2013 at 4:17 pm
It takes a little friction to properly polish things.
December 3rd, 2013 at 4:17 pm
Wow I love this! It really struck a cord with me and has me in tears x
December 3rd, 2013 at 4:31 pm
Yes, there sometimes IS value in bleeding a bit….whether we like it or not.
December 3rd, 2013 at 5:31 pm
love those closing 3 lines, Kelly ~
December 3rd, 2013 at 5:39 pm
We do shine when we bleed a little. Wise words.
December 3rd, 2013 at 5:58 pm
Beautiful, and true. Thank you.
December 3rd, 2013 at 6:33 pm
Repurposing shards… a vital activity. Beautiful images, very strongly visual with all of the other sensory input kicking in (sugar sparkles, we can taste it; glass shines, we can feel it). Bleeding clears away germs, as my son says…
December 3rd, 2013 at 6:54 pm
Bravo! There is so much to be alive for! Even the pain, the pain is better than the nothingness. For the truly alive, nothing is wasted. Loved this.
December 3rd, 2013 at 7:27 pm
WOW!!!
December 3rd, 2013 at 7:37 pm
As another wise poet, Mr Cohen, pointed out: there are cracks in everything, that’s how the light gets in.
Your heart is strong and luminous, my friend. x
December 3rd, 2013 at 7:52 pm
Bleed a little..for when we bleed we heal sometimes
and we feel alive again.
December 3rd, 2013 at 8:46 pm
Lovely one, my friend.
December 3rd, 2013 at 10:05 pm
Wonderful words. You can inspire a sad person to put his life on the mend. I love the last line, ‘bleed a little’.
December 3rd, 2013 at 10:57 pm
OMG the end was so awesome I almost peed my pants!!!!
December 3rd, 2013 at 11:01 pm
bleeding…
December 4th, 2013 at 6:15 am
yes, perfection is dull… if your heart aint got some cracks, dirt, and scarring from old wounds… you aint livin’
December 4th, 2013 at 8:19 am
Lots of wisdom in these words – the last three lines especially.
December 4th, 2013 at 12:26 pm
Packed a real punch with the last line, Kelly. Wow!
December 4th, 2013 at 9:20 pm
Timely and deeply moving to this old guy, Kelly. Life tosses us the scratches, dings, bruises and bleeds. I’ve had my share lately. Your message in those last lines … Special, brilliant. You really shine here, Kelly. ~ j
December 5th, 2013 at 1:15 am
Very apt…….. No point in bleeding U have to move on…… Well said……..
December 5th, 2013 at 3:00 am
Hope for even the hardest of hearts.
December 6th, 2013 at 10:36 am
yeah… staying open and giving that heart some much needed air…not afraid of the open space and the bleeding… it’s def. worth it..