after the stillness,
you’ll know.
and when you know what,
trust your step
then the next step
then the next step
to show you
how.
but first,
choose.
Tag: poetry
i like that.
Perhaps there’s nothing to worry for
anymore.
perhaps if i simply state my desire
say thank you,
cry
then stand up and
walk to it,
that’d be sufficient.
yes.
i like that.
maybe
if i keep my imagination
connected
to my prayer
i wouldn’t have to hope for
fulfillment.
yes.
i like that.
Michelle Bernard speaks: another one, a poem and much more from Michelle Bernard on Vimeo.
art.
I am an artist.
Create your art, and name yourself: artist.
Live
all over your canvases, notebooks, iPads, laptops, journals, microphones, and pottery wheels without restraint or fear that someone might question your validity.
You don’t need permission if you have a pulse.
Because art belongs to our souls, not our egos.
Paint
Sculpt
Draw
Glue
Sew
Stitch
Hang
Blot
Sponge
Wipe
Drape
Roll
Braid
Layer
Dab
Carve
Sketch
Fill
Hammer
Solder
Pinch
Design
Color
Wrap
Roll
Photographf
Position
Frame
Mix
LOVE
DANCE
IMAGINE
Make art.
absolutely.
the leader.
beyond exhaustion
knees stiff from spinning
heels sore from the pace
lips tired of saying my lines
i found another breath in you
before flatlining into fear, a fate that could permanently end curiosity,
you pressed into my chest and gave me life again
revival.
hold my hand
pull me safely to the wings
away from the trip wire of resentment that runs
the world’s stage
i will let you
position me
set my wrist
turn my chin
place my feet
even though i prefer to lead when i dance
sometimes you have to follow.
what you need.
your heart will be persistent
even if you leave it to wither in a shoe box
even if you flatten it and use it as a bookmark to save your place
even if you bury it in the garden between the bossy rows of peppermint
your heart will keep on trying to tell you
what you need to know
to be able to survive
to be able to go on
to rise
to be free.
when you are ready to listen
when you are ready to know
when you’re ready to let go
your heart will say to you
you’re the one that I want.
BE YOU.
Not expected.
the mist can see me through my window.
I see it too. It cannot hide behind the glow from street lamps.
It was raining when the dogs woke up.
It’s still raining now.
this is certainly not the way I expected to experience the last days of April:
wrapped in two scarves, socks up my legs, and a fur-lined hat near the front door.
I wanted flowers out my window
and fresh air to blow into my apartment while I get ready for bed.
but
I do like the stillness of this night.
And I like how time hangs onto the mist
giving more evening
more slowdown
breath
and
less
in my mind
so I can see the beauty
in this foggy night
Michelle Bernard: not expected, a poem for the season from Michelle Bernard on Vimeo.
longer.
i love ya
tomorrow
i wiggled into you
(you were worth the wait)
inhaling
through grateful hips
shoulders praising morning
i pointed these feet
east
toward Creation
while white strands caught my eyelashes
i increased the decision
taking longer strides
(trusting myself for
the 108th time)
letting what I felt
be felt
by
the air
and
sky
swallowed the noise
letting the sound of light play
from my body
making the days
longer
Michelle Bernard: longer – a poem from Michelle Bernard on Vimeo.
the women.
the women.
me.
explorer of dream.
smile
casting magic on those in her orbit.
knowing eyes
peeking out from pink and turquoise
feathers.
striped and barefoot and bejeweled.
sweaty, whirling hips.
painting the sky with patchouli hands.
and
me.
head tilted.
curious.
grey wool exterior, lined inside.
big eyes squinting. taming Questions.
determined for answers.
once prodded, bullied.
once,
forgot her name.
Determined.
close up, no injury.
underneath bronzed body armor—
dark, dried up, salty invalidation
chipping off.
give her little wings.
do you let it go?
What to do…
when the person you thought you’d love forever
makes you sad, manipulates, cannot relate to your desire for growth?
How do you break-up with a best friend?
Do you?
Do you stay when you’ve grown in different directions?
Kids know how to find friends who align with them.
We need to do the same as adults.
You are not a bad person to want joy and alignment.
rise,
Michelle
