WARRIOR DANCE by Erin Larson

As a certified yoga instructor, I find myself infusing the spiritual teachings of yoga in a lot of my writing. After writing and titling this piece, a dear friend read it and noticed that the camber of the lines seemed to follow the rhythm of the “warrior dance” sequence, which is a series of poses often guided in a vinyasa flow yoga class. Whether this was intentional or subliminal on my part, I’m not sure, but it does add another layer to its reading and interpretation.

Warrior Dance

Erin Larson

I am a woman,

A warrior

I am strong

I am powerful

I deserve to BE!

And for that I will apologize no more

I am not sorry for:

The state of my house

Wanting bread with my salad,

Leftover night,

My amateur prose.

I am not sorry for screen time

that I may cook dinner in peace

I am not sorry for opening my mouth,

My imperfections,

My stretch marks

My wild crazy moods

Contrivances be damned!

I will not squeeze into a mold that does not fit

nor wait demurely for rescue

I love my brain

I love my brawn!

I am a woman

A warrior

I am strong

I am powerful

I deserve to BE!

Erin Larson: I live in the beautiful state of New Hampshire with my husband, three kids, two dogs, a cat, a python and a bearded dragon. I am a lover! A lover of nature, yoga, good food and drink, traveling, reading, camping, hiking, running, etc. etc. I spend as much time as possible in the woods, as this is where I connect most deeply to the Divine and find most of my inspiration for writing and creating. I hold a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies (with a concentration in plant biology) and am a certified yoga instructor. You can find more of my poetry and inspirational ramblings at kaleandhops.com, my blog devoted to finding balance in the every day.

*For submission guidelines, click here.*

Comments

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...

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 ...

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...

Journey of the Heart

Search This Blog