Today, as part of Fandango’s Flashback Friday, we are supposed to repost something we posted last year on this same day. As many of you know me – I took off for a year or so (posting sporadically) in order to focus more time and attention while homeschooling the kids. Now, two of them are already going to be taking full college courses next semester. The older of the younger two – now, more often than not, does not need my help, and my youngest is already saying, “I can figure it out by myself!”
I know that this is a good thing – I’ve put my desires and dreams aside for 15 years while homeschooling. This is their time to grow a bit on their own (with a bit of help, when needed) and it is a time for me to start fitting in those things I have long desired to do. I’m still not used to having free time, so this is a learning process. I want to learn more about photography, I want to write more to settle my heart, I want to reach out more artistically, and I want to do things like focus on exercise, mindfulness, and learning other new things. I will not run out of things to do, I promise! I’ve grown quite a list.
I have been blogging for a while now – so I just went back as far as I had to – to find a post in October and while not on the 23rd, it is close enough. Funny to see the closest post I could find from October was posted on October 17, 2017. I was surprised by how much time had gone by – then I realized that I started this blog in 2016 and the blog before that, was started in 2014. Phew – it’s been a while (so glad I did not give up).
The following poem was written – as many of my poems are – because I was inspired by a photograph I had taken. This beautiful flower inspired these words – it gave me a moment to reflect on the impermanence of life but also the importance of leaving something of value behind. To be remembered is a gift. I truly believe that. I hope you enjoy!
A Testament to What I Was, a poem
I am a testament
to what I was
in the days of my youth
strong, firm, and resolute.
I grew beneath
the shade of trees
basked in the warm glow
of the sun
and treasured the silence
allowing the breeze
to touch my skin
to hear the sigh
of the wind
and I continued
to stretch
to strive
to reach
the promise
of my potential.
Beauty
wept at my feet,
as the sun
lit my tresses on fire
as the breeze
grasped me in its arms
in a furious dance
and as the shade
of another passing day
drew shadows in my footsteps.
I have lived
way beyond
my youthful display of courage
and now the winter
of my life is near
the moments when
I begin to realize
my purpose
is to leave behind
the best of myself
so that others may grow
to leave behind
a message
that beauty
is all-encompassing
in every passing moment,
whether we are holding on
or letting go.
I shall never say
goodbyes are not
filled with sorrow
but I know
you shall remember me
by what I leave behind –
memories
to be cherished
and a legacy
whose existence
required my presence.
© Sumyanna 2017
Sumyanna Writes 