To arrive
on the other side
of pain
isolation
flying into the sun
Find patience
To arrive
down river
of anxiety
stress
knotted shorts
Breathe, dammit
To arrive
across the bridge
of fear
sadness
laying in the mud
Ignore angry trolls
To arrive
without delay
detour
roads closed
fixing flat tires
Avoid potholes
To arrive on land
sanity intact
clear-headed
peaceful
in meditation
Let go of smelly dung
To arrive on the other side
is to persevere
forgive self
love others
be kind to others
drink beer
sleep
pray
sleep more
have another beer
land the plane
live boldly, courageously, bravely
Mary J Melange 
We’ve been through all those things and more. We we get to the other side (but thanks for the advice on the beer).
I really admire the form of this poem. It works in a lot of ways. This illustrates why I like poetry. The message is tight and reaches us across a spectrum. Well done!
Thank you so much, Dan. I never know how my poetry will come across to readers, so I am always glad to receive positive feedback. Glad you liked it.
You’re welcome about the beer. I knew you’d appreciate good taste. 😉
I think poetry comes across differently to everyone. I guess that’s part of the beauty of the art form. I don’t often comment about poetry, as I’ve had some bad reactions to my comments (on other blogs) but I figured you would accept this in the spirit was was offered.
Poetry is like modern art – in the eye of the beholder. I don’t always like what I read, but someone else will. I have to admit that I find more pleasure in writing poetry than I do reading it. Weird, but true!
Hahaha – I think I understand that.
Good Monday message, but it sure is taking longer to land that plane than most of us thought it would. 🙂 Stay healthy and happy, and, of course, drink more beer and eat more chocolate.
I think we may be up in the air for a while, Judy. In the meantime, a good craft beer and dark chocolate always help the situation…in moderation, of course!
Your poem hits home for me this month. Nicely done, Mary, cheers to beers and to you and to your creative mind :-)!!
Thanks Shelley. The last two weeks were not the best emotionally, but the beautiful weekend and putting thoughts to written word always helps. Yes, I got out on the bike, which made me very happy..
You’re welcome Mary. It has been an emotional roller coaster. Nice weather and creative outlets do help lift spirits :-). Keep biking and keep writing. I’m sending hugs to you from the other side of the state 😉
Ditto what Shelley said. Took the words right out of my mouth, so to speak.
Thanks Ally. I hope you are having a good start to the week.
What a beautiful way to say it! I am going to remember that phrase and say it to myself when I need it; “land the plane”. Glad to read you are in a better place right now. I think I am getting there too.
I hope the better place stays with me this month. I hope we are all able to land the plane and arrive safely through these trying and stressful times. Have a wonderful Monday, Laurie!
Holy Hannah, I’m gobsmacked. This is wonderful Mary J. I haven’t flown very many times — and the last time was 2002… But I just realized that is what it (my anxiety) feels like — like a plane, perpetually in the process of landing. I’ve already crashed once (emotionally). “Oh the humanity!” Now I’m wanting the plane to land again. Hopefully this time a lot more smoothly.
Sharing this bit of brilliance. Hugs on the wing!
Teagan, I cannot take full credit as I recently read an opinion piece by someone who talked about “arriving safely on the other side.” That gave me impetus for the poetry as I feel the same as you – we need to land our planes smoothly. Last week I realized how much I missed hugs and how stressed I was from pandemic anxiety and work. It’s not a good feeling, so here’s to a better week for the both of us. One day at a time, Teagan. Hugs back to you!
I love this. And identify with it in so many ways.
Thank you so much!
Wonderful Mary! I agree with Dan. Poetry is art and art interpretation is different from the perspective of the reader. I love this!
Coming from a poet I enjoy reading, thank you! ❤
Awwww…thanks Mary. I am honored you feel that way.😊