NORTHERN LIGHTS GUIDED ME by Alyscia Cunningham

I’ve always been amazed by the fact that different hues of color flow through the sky so beautifully...

Although scientist have their explanation for the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), I honestly don’t think they have a full understanding of the many wonderful mysteries of our magnificent Universe. I also believe some things aren’t meant to be understood but instead enjoyed and appreciated.

Earlier this year I entered a short story contest with Iceland Writers Retreat (IWR). The winning participant received an all-expense paid trip to the Retreat. Unfortunately my story did not make it. Later IWR sent an email about another company that was also holding a poetry contest with the same prize. As of yet I don’t know if I won but I do hope so.

Since entering the IWR contest I keep getting messages about Iceland. I’m seeing pictures, documentaries, posts on social media pages or conversations that come up out the blue. I can’t ignore the strong pull telling me I need to visit even if I wanted to. In the process I’ve realized my initial introduction to IWR contest wasn’t a coincidence but actually planned for me. Somehow there is a connection that I haven’t figured out as of yet.

After seeing a poem and picture with beautiful hues on Catherine Ghosh’s page I decided to submit this poem. I don’t know where the image was taken but it was enough to remind me of what I keep seeing. I’m not sure what the future holds for me journeying into Iceland, but I know I’ll be there someday soon.

Northern Lights Guided Me

by Alyscia Cunningham

Feeling lost so looked within,
for escape into space out of the dim.

Needing guidance through the world,
silencing the drops of tears impearled.

Dropped to my knees in sigh of fatigue,
then dazzled by glows yearning to intrigue.

Lifting my head to confirm my belief,
the dancing hues gave me relief.

Magnificent green, violet, yellow and blue,
Aurora Borealis, it that you?

My Frown turned into a smile,
no longer in exile,
magnificence now surround my profile.

Thought I was alone,
yet you guided me,
as I seeked to find what I could not see.

Now covered in auras of confidence,

blankets of pleasured prominence,

restore me with compliments.

Stood up in assurance,

for all life’s occurrence,

was an attempted deterrence.

Before I begin,

I lift my chin,

and give thanks for Iceland.

I self-reconcile,

feeling assured that all the while,

you were with me as I hiked the long mile.

Northern Lights in my Horizon,

starts my journey into the Highland,

of a path forever brightened.

Alyscia Cunningham is an author, photographer, entrepreneur, speaker, wife, mother of three children and a creative soul. Through her lens, Cunningham captures and celebrates raw beauty, as she believes the media not only does a good job of focusing on our insecurities but also profiting from it. Her previously published book, Feminine Transitions, and upcoming books and documentaries are social-change projects challenging the "idea" of beauty. Alyscia started journaling as well as writing poems and short stories at the age of 10, and has has kept all of it all in her memory box. She says one days she'll have the pleasure to sit with her children and read to them some of her childhood writing. Connect with her on Facebook here, or visit her website.

~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!~

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