healingwords: poetry for the soul

I found it impossible today not to reflect the anger and sadness felt throughout the world at the brutal injustice being suffered by so many. I stand with all those protesting to bring about a world where equality is the basis of society, where our leaders make decisions based on compassion and the overriding interest of the good of all and the voice of the oppressed is heard and acted upon. I hold the light of hope that change will come.

This beautiful holm oak is in the centre of a hidden grove of trees, protected by smaller oaks and brambles. Entering the grove feels like walking into the rarefied atmosphere of a great Cathedral, a sacred space of stillness.  I feel calmed and renewed leaning on the strong trunk, looking upwards through the canopy to the sky. 

Today I woke to a tenth day of isolation and low cloud shrouding the village. The unusually long spell of rain and cloud is now feeling oppressive. It is one of the factors that always aggravates my breathing but now I am questioning any normal tightening of my lungs, every wheeze and cough.  It took sometime to feel motivated to write a poem for today until I found this photograph of the estuary and bay at Aberdovey. I walked on these sands a few days after the death of my father, the wind blew away my tears and the sun glinting silver on the horizon lightened my soul. It remains a special place, where I can go to in my mind for a little calming peace, where I am also reminded of the healing company of the best of friends.  © 2020 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved.  

In troubled tears where it is easy to become overwhelmed with fear or suffer the strains of change and isolation, I am reminded that the light always returns. Today I am celebrating the birth of my two grandchildren and giving thanks for my family who bring me joy and support me always.  © 2020 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved.  

A week has passed since I have been out the door, a week since I have seen my family, held my newborn grandson, played with his brother. The sadness of isolation is tempered by the knowledge we are keeping each other safe.  As I write this the sound of Parcent band members is echoing over the village as they play together with Valencian musicians all over the Communitat in honour of San Jose. It is a fiesta here today, the celebration of fallas, a day when families get together. Today we do what we can to keep cheerful.  We also do what we can to protect our loved ones. As in times gone by when people suffered without hospitals, medicines and modern care we add a prayer and a wish to our daily routines, appealing to our Gods and Goddesses or just the healing power of love and nature. If it doesn't help it can not harm and at least we feel like we are involved and somehow less powerless. In my house we light candles, in memory of my parents who lit candles for us, to co...

This briar rose was blooming in the herb garden in The Burren Perfumery in the Burren area of Country Clare. It took me back to our garden where my father picked a briar rose for my mother every day of her final illness. We picked the last rose to place in her hand as she lay at peace. My visit to Ireland was an emotional one, in the footsteps of my mother and her people. I felt at home there, comforted by the beautiful green countryside, cheered by the warmth of everyone we met.  © 2019 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved.