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BROKEN POTTERY by Ginny Brannan

A visit from my brother recently got me thinking about the people who come into our lives. 

You see, he is not a brother by birth, but a brother borne of circumstance. His family met me after a loss in my life, yet rather than dwell on that loss, I choose to acknowledge my “gains.” When I was a teenager I gained a family, four sisters and a brother, and their parents who welcomed me stay to finish school. Decades later, and I am still blessed to be in their life. Today, I reflected on the road that’s brought me here, the people who’ve molded me, and the glue that binds us together.

Broken Pottery
Ginny Brannan

We do not know the direction life will take
when we start our journey:
who will stay, who will leave,
who dies or who survives—
Adversity creates the person we become.

If I could’ve mapped this road I’ve travelled
I might not have chosen the hardships I’ve borne,
the  potholes and pitfalls I’ve encountered;
yet I wouldn’t change who I’ve become.
Those who’ve passed or were left behind
are still part of me; they’ve molded this clay.
And those who’ve stayed know each flaw and every crack:
they’ve seen me broken in a thousand pieces,
glued me back together, and made me whole again.

So the story continues…
and while those who think they know us
see only chips and pieces;
those who really know us
overlook the imperfections
to see us ‘whole.’ 


Ginny Brannan: Ginny describes herself as having “come to this dance a bit later than some; the most important thing is…she’s come!” It seems like the words were always inside her, looking for an outlet. In 2009, encouraged by her brother and dear friend, she began writing and sharing her poetry. She attributes the cathartic effects of writing to carrying her through some difficult times, and for introducing her to many creative and like-minded writers from places both near and around the world. She enjoys writing in both form and free verse, and draws her inspiration from life, nature, and the human condition. She has been featured in The River Muse, on on-line Art and Literary Journal; The Poetry Daily, and her poetry has been published in five anthologies. She is extremely honored to be part of the Journey of the Heart sisterhood of writers. Ginny Brannan resides in western Massachusetts with her husband, son and four cats. You may read more of Ginny's poetry on her website here,  or connect with her on Facebook or twitter.  

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