Will to Live – January 6, 2020 Weekly
Holiday let-downs, early disappointments, and thoughts of the past often stalk the start of a new year. Under these shadows, newness fades and the future feels less bright. This week’s writers, however, offer us a half-dozen expressions of hope and reasons to keep living. So paint your face, put on a color full of life, rise up, and listen to the buzz of nature. Jump into life and find the will to live, even in the shadow and quiet.
"i want to live" by Linda M. Crate
i’ve seen so many
honey bees and bumble bees
i know it is you visiting
you’re the bee keeper
who’s now found his bees
"Putting On Face Cream In Front Of The Mirror" by Ashly Curtis
I dip my middle finger in the soft
white bowl and smear youth
on my cheeks, nose, forehead, chin,
stick out tongue at my reflection
in the glass, like she did at me
An Unsuitable Green" by Millicent Borges Accardi
There is kelly and torch song and
moss, emerald and sage.
What is most needed in the world,
perhaps, or what can take us
away from what we fear most
is green.
"Red & emerald" by LE Francis
Twin stars, once twin bright,
until the dog star set off
into early middle age. You burned
like a backcountry grove, & you
became the end of clouds
"Jump" by Toni G.
I stood there wrapped in fear,
as I watched you leap out into
your future.
Fear is for the masses you yelled,
as your feet left hard grass covered
earth to the nothingness of air.
"Strange Commandment" by Michael Igoe
I want you to rise up,
as if from sleep,
feel the same wakefulness
you get when you’re drowning.
You must rise in bliss,
let yourself play in traffic.