Gutter lillies

Excerpts from a collection of poems about pain, trauma and healing. I began this series in February 2022, after a difficult period in my life.

The heart is a persistent thing;

It beats without permission.

— therefore i am (excerpt)

advice to myself 

Let me tell you something—

Sorrow is to be held

In ones hand

Like a bird

Let it go. 

You are more than the past

It is not destiny; 

You are reborn every moment

Therefore have a child’s awe. 

Pain is the best teacher

Of love

It is true;

You cannot be tender without a wound. 

where am i going?

I sat at a blank crossroads

And wondered:

Where am I going?

Nowhere, friend;

The flower does not rush.

So I instead I wondered—

What am I doing?

Nothing, friend;

Your heartbeat is enough.

So instead I wondered—

Who am I?

No one, friend;

The soul is a nameless flame.