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HEART MATTERS by Carolyn Riker


When I write sometimes the words flow easily. Lately it’s been more of a staccato…

  My rhythm lingers in the rests as I reflect in the silence. I’ve been reflecting intensely for a month now and I think I understand why. 

This poem is about various relationships. Like many of our interactions it can get confusing when it appears one way and then seemingly changes into another. It is about boundaries. Where do we begin and end?  

"Ultimately, of course, there is no other,
And you are always meeting yourself."
 ~ Eckhart Tolle~

When I settle my mind, and I let down the fences placed to protect my heart, I can see the lichen that clings. Messages can be sent and learned by everyone we meet.

"Be grateful for whoever comes, 
because each has been sent as a guide from beyond."
~Rumi~

What we do with those moments of insight can be equally heart wrenching, expansive, liberating, joyful and a bit terrifying. Yet, letting go of what holds us back is as necessary as pruning roses. New growth will come in the eclipses of our heart. Blocking the growth only delays the progress and adds another cage around the heart. This poem reflects an inner journey of exploring boundaries, old and new.

Heart Matters
by Carolyn Riker

Sorting through the rubble
I met a rock
Stable and real
My own world dark and crumbled
Obstacles plenty but replaced by stepping stones
And I grew
Inner resilience was ignited
Heart mattered
Gratitude
Mind learned to dance with the Moon
As a connection grew the boundaries became diffused.
Spiritual fate
The storm became rough
Waves crashed
Patterns repeat
Imploding and exploding
An ebb and flow of old mixed with new
Fear and betrayal
Eroded the core
Exposed the Ego
An avalanche of mistrust
Set off echoes of the past
The tides uncovered the source
An abandoned child emerged shaken and hurt
Where boundaries of consistency were few.
The rock was a mirror of me.
It has now returned to the sea.
A weathered worn pebble remains on the beach
I carry it in the pocket of my heart.
I reconnected a lost part of me reflected in you.





Carolyn Riker, MA is a private tutor, writer and a poet. She is also a Certified Instructor for Journal Writing and provides workshops. Carolyn finds comfort and balance in her kids, nature, music and her sweet cat Copper. She can be seen sipping soy lattes and nibbling on dark chocolate. She’s a regular columnist for Rebelle Society  and Elephant Journal. She also has a personal blog here. You can also visit Carolyn’s facebook page 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!~ 

Comments

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks Edie!!! Appreciate you taking the time to read it. ~ Carolyn

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