healingwords: poetry for the soul

Leaning on the old oak trunk, warmed by the midday sun, I gazed through the branches. The window to the sky drew my eye as I listened to the humming bees feeding on the rosemary and followed a butterfly flitting around the leaves. My eyes started to close as the blue overwhelmed me and for a few minutes I floated, drowsing, in the sky.  © 2019 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved.  

This image captures a moment at St Brigid's Well in Liscannor, Country Clare in Ireland. The well is found just off the road, at the foot of a beautiful, wooded cemetery. It is a modest place, a statue of St Brigid looking out towards the Atlantic Coast is enclosed in a glass case, surrounded by flowers in a small circle of stone paving. The grotto leads into the rock, the entrance walls filled with statues of Saints, photographs of loved ones, prayers, rosaries, burning candles and letters of request to Saint Brigid, many for sick or deceased relatives of friends. The fading photos have a deep poignancy and reverence and whatever ones belief it would be hard not to be moved by the faith evidenced here and the simplicity of the worship.  The well itself is a small square of water refreshed from a running spring. It is said to have healing powers and this well is just one of many throughout Ireland dedicated to Saint Brigid. She is one of Ireland's most revered Saints a...

I read today an article describing the benefits to mind and body of spending time near water, particularly the sea. Coincidentally I had planned to go to the beach after a period of ill health had kept me inside for a few weeks. Even just sitting by the shore, watching the waves breaking with their hypnotic rhythm was calming and I left the beach feeling refreshed and energised.  © 2019 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved.  

I am grateful to my brother Chris Knight for returning to the woods close to the anniversary of our mother's death and taking this lovely photograph. I would love to be there. This was one of her favourite places, she shared her love of these woods with her children and grandchildren and we are drawn to go back and feel both of my parent's spirits at peace among the trees.  © 2019 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved.  

As I am still stuck inside a hospital room I am reposting a poem that takes my mind away,  written for those of us who search for peace of mind in the midst of the storm. With love and gratitude to my dear friends. BECALMED In the eye of the storm, wearied by frenzied winds, tossed into quiet calm, momentary peace descends. Heavy lids close as head dips, hands unclench, fingers release, weight sinks into soft welcome, breath slows as soul is freed. Flying high over mountains, skimming spiked pine tops, swoop low over olive groves, gnarled gnomes trimmed with silver. Carried on citric valley breeze, funneled floating between sleeping giants, guarding passage to bay curved in sand smile. Catch a rising warmth, sky flyer soaring, dazzled by healing light, sun mirrored on gilded sea. In flight find freedom, sea charge, strength renewed, mind calmed in balance, as voice carries and spirit flows. ...