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I STRIVE TO GROW by Edith Lazenby

I wrote this last night thinking about the New Year…  

I had coffee with a new friend and we were sharing about our mutual challenges and I was talking about how we are both survivors. Yet in my determination to survive I always want more than that. I want to grow, change, learn, blossom, and thrive. And my new friend shared that, that morning she realized she too wanted to do more than survive. I think sometimes life is just so challenging all we can do is survive..but we have a moment when we know we will survive and we want more.

Photography by Alice M. Boughton 1910.


I Strive To Grow
by Edith Lazenby


The night chill warms my heart
With the new moon.
I have the blessing
Of much to do: clothes need folding,
Rugs need vacuuming, thank you notes
Need writing, dishwasher is running,
Kitties want loving and my hopes fly
Feathered by prayers that dream
Of love and goodness with buds
With petals softened by compassion’s
Care and healing’s roots that reach
From the sky to earth, my heart to soul,
Fed by a light nothing can darken
As I nestle my Muse whose words pamper
What I know enabling me to do more than survive,
Supported by willingness—I strive to grow.
~

Edith Lazenby: “I love to write. I began writing poetry in elementary school. Sometimes I write poetry daily, other times not. I adore Mary Oliver, her way of embracing the light while acknowledging the darkness. I teach yoga full time and find the practice has grounded me deeper in my body and heart and helped me move closer to what I call spirit. I also now edit for Elephant Journal and write for them as well. I live with my husband, who is my best friend, and 4 kitties. Life holds challenges yet with time I feel better able to live in the moment, moment by moment. All great teachers teach presence. I find each day is a lesson in being. The process of writing holds me and I find the craft teaches me something new each time. You may visit my blog here.


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