The Lifespan of Butterflies: April 2013

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Mantra

Be the hand that sticks out in the wind, presses
there. Be the lips that slowly blow out air.
Be the animal that contemplates the distance,
through unconsciously fluttering eyelashes,
responding only to what is presented in form.

The Lifespan of Butterflies Project

I designed this blog as a space for publishing my writing and the writing of others. Look back at the previous posts and authors and you'll see that happened, at some point. I met some amazing friends and travelers through this space. Reconnected with old friends. Felt affirmed that we all carry secret pains and joys like bookmatched bits of wood.

Now, I'm mostly tooling around here by my lonesome, and that's ok. Something here has changed too, as something has changed in me. Not that I'm sure what that is. But I can sense a shifting inside my chest and the rattling of bones is making new open spaces.

So, now here are my musings. Sometimes the universe just says "No, now do it this way."

Imago Project.

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. It is also the month of my sweet Sophie's birthday. At full term, Sophie was stillborn on Halloween of 2005. Leading up to what would be my first daughter's birthday, and in commemoration of all sleeping babies, I will be challenging myself. For each day of October, I will write and post a poem or piece of prose. Hopefully, this process will both get me through the month and inspire and encourage other poets to join in.

This isn't just for parents who've experienced loss, but for anyone is finds themself in a poetic season.

Express freely, and love easily. As always, thank you.