healingwords: poetry for the soul

I have been fascinated today reading about the colour magenta. We recognise this shade of pinky purple in nature, mainly in the beauty of numerous flowers but officially there is no such colour. Magenta can not be seen on the visible spectrum of light as it does not actually exist, only as a combination of equal amounts of blue and red light. I admit to finding this concept difficult as I can see it does exist so if you are interested I advise you to read more and meanwhile enjoy the amazing beauty we find in nature.

I am flying away from life today, over the hills, over lakes and valleys, silvered by light. 

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...

The changing seasons reminds me of what lies ahead, the unknown path, the adventures to come. It feels like a time for looking forward and walking through new doors.  © 2020 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved.  

This time of year can be difficult for those missing loved ones during a holiday season where we feel almost forced to be of good cheer. It is also the time of the longest night, when despite our hectic lives there is a need for quiet reflection. As the solstice passes and the lighter days return, it is good to remember those we miss, include them in our festivities, enjoy telling their stories. That way being together is more than just a yearly celebration dictated by consumption but a special time for families and friends to reconnect and share their warmth. We should also remember those alone and look into our hearts to open our homes and arms to those in need.  © 2019 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved.  

Today my words seem pointless, only the trust that light and goodness will shine through from the many who value and care for humanity and our earth keeps me from despair. 

Today, once again, I have no vote in an election that will have a major bearing on my future. My disenfranchisement affects me deeply and the situation facing people can feel despairing. In such times I strive to remember the good in the world, to feel hope in the kindness and care I see daily and to recall that in time, even the dark days see the light of the sun.  © 2019 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved.  

I am struck often by the transformative effect of light. Here a humble stalk of grass was illuminated by the filtered sun, from one angle it was dry, dusty green but standing in the light it became a golden torch. 

On the first day of December the sun is shining, the light playing across the bands of pines snaking across the hillside. On the way to the shortest day I feel the need to make use of every hour of light and look forward to sitting still, listening to the trees.  © 2019 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved.  

The light in Spain is renowned for inspiring artists and at times there is a brilliance in the air that illuminates nature. This winter day was brightened by the sun breaking through a dull sky, blazing light over the scene.  © 2019 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved.  

When I first moved to Spain I was struck by not just the sunshine but the light. Even on a grey day like today, when the valley is lashed with rain and clouds hang low, I know the light will soon return. I still remember long months of cloud in England so appreciate the brightening of weather and mood. As I struggle with fear and uncertainty over my future when EU citizenship is removed from all UK citizens, along with our rights, I retain hope that, like the sun, light will continue to burn. I remember the majority of kind and good people who will keep working to improve our world and the future we leave to our children.  © 2019 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved.  

The idea of the written word as therapy is gaining popularity with the recognition that both the writing process and the reading of poetry and prose that resonates with our personal experience can be therapeutic.  I have always been able to lose myself in writing, the deep thought and concentration takes me away from the world and my daily routine. Reading fulfils the same function, a good story able to transport me away into another life for a while. Where reading becomes healing is when we find writers whose words help us to access our own emotions, remind us of events in our lives, struggles we have lived and survived, joys we have shared. Sometimes just a single line of poetry can move me and provoke a memory and a release of emotion that I had buried and forgotten, a smile of recognition, a tear of understanding, a flash of righteous anger. The debate about whether such poetry is art or merely fulfilling a 21 st century need to share our emotions is one I reject. Ther...