Thank You by Leslie Caplan

Often when I write, it is a stream that comes out of me without knowing exactly why or for whom I am speaking of, or to…

This one came out like that. My intention was to write an entirely different piece from a prompt that had nothing to do with what I wrote here.  The first line came out. A gratitude for nothing specific that became very specific.  It rolled out of me as a deep appreciation for everyone and everything that has crossed or merged with my path. This is what I love about writing. It writes me on the page and each time, I am more revealed to myself. 

Thank You

by Leslie Caplan

Thank you for that

For the song you played out on my page

landing in my vein

The one that writes itself sane

I thank you


for taking the road all rugged and mud-slid


clearing it out


straightening the line


so I can walk along side


with my eyes closed


My eyes


Closed

Seeping into smoky blue like

a misted forest stream

breathing like it's got a pair of lungs

the size of mountains

I stand naked 

cloaked in skin

Bones softening to earth and turning

into roots that dig in

Dig right in

Thank you for that

for the way you respond

Your wet lips shining with

what I evoked in you

How my lyric struck a lyric in you

and you carved out words

into the sand

and let the ocean write your poem

that moved like the water itself

breathed me like

the air itself swirled

into a landing inside my chest

Thank you for that

For grabbing my hand when I was turning left

Even though the map said to go right

Thank you

My head was in the clouds

and I thought my freedom meant

that I had to take flight

until you showed me

it's right here on the ground

I thank you for that

For the way you lit my incense

and prayed a breath so deep into me

my belly filled with waters

growing seeds thrown by

so many

Thank you

You handed me a mound of fertilizer

and soft strong hands to pat it down

into the earth surrounding me

I grew whole and twisted like vines that reach

and reach

and reach as

they root in spirals on the ground

Thanks for that

I only need a little rain

to keep me growing

No downpour, flood or tidal wave

Just a little rain

coming off the west wind

bringing waves and ripples of

my billowy sky

and wet, jagged hills
smoothed out by my own sorrow healed

Leslie Caplan is a passionate writer and has been published internationally. She is a professional Writing Coach and editor who encourages and evokes the strongest, deepest expression of the writer's voice and heart.  She also facilitates writing workshops where writing is used as a tool for revealing and healing.  She lives in the small town of Ashland, Oregon and you can connect with her on her website 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!~