Skip to main content

I COME FROM by Jamie Burgess

The inspiration for this poem came from a writing workshop I'm currently participating in…

The writing prompt I was given was in the form of a question "Where do you come from?" and these words immediately came tumbling out onto the page. I'm normally an over thinker with perfectionist tendencies, and so with that comes hardcore procrastination - especially when it comes to my writing. This time, for whatever reason, I was able to easily let go and allow my heart to guide me...and it felt amazing. 

I Come From
by Jamie Burgess

I come from bloodlust and benevolence
from the loins of warriors and priests
men who carried fierce fires in their bellies
passed them down like family heirlooms
raging for centuries

I was born
with a desperate thirst for water
for oceans and rivers
and heavy rainstorms
craving cool, damp earth
under my feet
and the knowing that comes
when sitting
in the company of trees

a tree’s roots dive deep into the ground
patiently seeking water
not so much seeking
as expecting
never doubting
steadily growing
reaching for light

I remember
in those moments
I come from light

I come from light
I come from light
I come from light

 (Find more of Jamie's poetry in our new book! Just click here) 

Jamie Burgess is a wild, creative, adventurous heart. She is a mama, writer, doula, tree hugger, star gazer, devourer of books, adorer of music, and photographer-in-the-making. Her heart’s desire is to encourage and inspire others with her art and life. She is committed to living with courage, daily, and following her heart, always. You can connect with her on both Facebook here and Instagram here. 
~If you are interested in seeing your poetry appear in this blog, or submitting a poem by a woman that has inspired you, please click here for submission guidelines. I greatly look forward to hearing from you!~
Labels:

Comments

  1. Tracie NicholsSeptember 16, 2015 at 5:01 AM

    What a glorious poem!! I think we may be distant cousins, Jamie. I was born with that same thirst...

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

IMAGINE A WOMAN by Patricia Lynn Reilly

  This poem invites you to look upon yourself with loving kindness… Gazing at your own true reflection, you will discover that everything you have longed for “out there” is already within you! I invite you to love your creativity fiercely. Faithfully plant seeds, allowing under-the-ground dormant seasons, nurturing your creative garden with love and gratitude. In the fullness of time, the green growing things thrust forth from the ground. It's a faithful, trustworthy process. AND it takes time and patience.  Blessed is the fruit of your creative womb! I invite you to trust your vision of the world and express it. With wonder and delight, paint a picture, create a dance, write a book, and make up a song. To give expression to your creative impulses is as natural as your breathing. Create in your own language, imagery, and movement. Follow no script. Do not be limited by the customary way things have been expressed. Your creative intuition is original. Ga...
20 comments
Read more

STILL I RISE by Maya Angelou

Six years ago, I had the privilege of listening to Maya Angelou speak live on the value of poetry at the University of Florida. I share these reflections with you again today, in honor of her birthday.  I was relieved to get one of the last seats available for this rare event, having arrived at five for Maya Angelou ’s free speech at eight. The historically long line began with people settled into beach chairs in winter coats busying themselves on tablets, or eating sandwiches for dinner. As helicopters hovered above and newscasters below, I felt the excitement of realizing that thousands of people were gathering together to hear an eighty four year old black woman recite her poetry! Maya Angelou speaking at University of Florida on Feb. 27, 2013  When the curtain rose -after an overflow of hundreds were sent away- we lucky ones on the inside greeted Maya with a standing ovation, as she smiled sweetly, beginning her talk using metaphors from nature. Maya asked...
4 comments
Read more

IN THE STILLNESS OF THE NIGHT by Ginny Brannan

 Just take a moment to pause... When life becomes rote, and frustration grows from being immersed in the same routine—different day, sometimes we need to remind ourselves that peace is still there—within our grasp— if we just take a moment to pause and enjoy the stillness and beauty around us. In the Stillness of the Night  by Ginny Brannan Late winter’s eve and all is still the lawn lies bathed in silver light— gray shadows race across the yard and climb atop the windowsill to draw my gaze upon the sight. I stare out to the moonlit night, across the deck and wooded path fresh–painted by new fallen snow. The scene infuses with delight; this gift inside storm’s aftermath. Half–buried now, the old birdbath lies shadowed deep in indigo— it waits on promise of the spring when arctic chill has finally passed and snow gives way to new green grass. With gratitude, I hedge to go; tranquility allays my soul… I turn ...
2 comments
Read more