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arelawilliams submitted a contest entry to
Write a poem about what you are grateful for in your life 5 months, 1 weeks ago Eye of the storm
Arela WilliamsWhat kind of water is this?
It’s been 8 months, but it seems like only yesterday I was hysterically begging my body for forgiveness.I’m sorry!
I’m sorry!
I’m sorry!Waves crashed into my cheeks, too loud to hear me accept my own apology.
Already too exposed to hide
I had no choice but to face this flood of grief and sorrow.
Unsure if I could make it to the eye of the storm, my mind had to decide.Sink or swim?
Sink or swim?
Sink or swim?Thankfully a whispering wind offered the current of Neutral Jin.
Float.
Ride.
Sail nothing.At least there is no pressure to decide.
A buoyant body waiting to wash up onto the warm sands of compassion.
The day I no longer see my own vessel as a weapon formed against me.Hopefully that day comes.
Today,
Like clockwork, the water met my eyes for the somethousanth time, but to my surprise…Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you!I heard it clearly, from me to me:
I know we have no energy
to swim,
But thank you for enough resilience not to sink
And enough acceptance to transform self hate into a sunrise.
Im not sure what kind of water this is,
But I’m grateful we’re afloat.Voting is closed
Arela – I have read and re-read your poem what feels like one hundred times. Your words, the imagery of water…all of it, so beautiful despite the pain you are going through.
“Waves crashed into my cheeks, too loud to hear me accept my own apology” – this resonated with me deeply.
“Thankfully a whispering wind offered the current of Neutral Jing…float. ride. sail nothing.” – this stopped me. Neutral Jing? I had to research. Does this mean something to the effect of waiting and listening? I love poetry that makes me go deeper and teaches me expressions I knew nothing of. “Sail nothing” – such a gorgeous pause in the poem.
“Like clockwork the water met my eyes for the somethousanth time”
I could go on and on. Thank you for your words. You have a gift with words. This poem speaks to me and it describes so perfectly an emotion I have experienced. I hope that you continue to stay afloat and find yourself someday swimming and splashing effortlessly again.
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Hi Mallory, I’m honoured my poem resonated with you so deeply. I am still afloat and have found some time to splash round a lil bit. Still in neutral Jin though which is hard to be content with at times when ur so used to forcing things.. I actually came across this term in my favourite anime show avatar the last air bender. Coined by king bumi (an earthbending master) Idk if you heard of the show but if not I highly recommend! Great kid and adult show. But yes ur correct… it means to wait and listen. Conserve energy.. mentally prepare. Thanks for ur kind words <3
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I apologize for a late response here. What a crazy week it has been and I’m still learning this site. I have not seen this show but I am now inspired to watch it this weekend. I absolutely love the movie Spirted Away and now realize I need to watch more anime. I’ve forgotten how poetic it is. Thank you so much for the recommendation! I also look forward to reading more of your work!
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Arela, This is an eloquent and powerful piece. I, too, am so glad you are afloat. Going through tough times can sometimes how us how truly strong we are and that knowledge can empower us and arm us for future challenges. You are strong. You are lovable, and you have so much greatness inside of you. Thank you for sharing this heartfelt piece, and thank you for being part of our Unsealed family. <3 Lauren
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