I’m on Day Two of our poetry retreat with Pádraig Ó Tuama (see photo above). He is truly a genius. With a background in theology, conflict mediation, group facilitation, and poetry his knowledge and experience is immense. He is host of Poetry Unbound on NPR. I have found his comments crystal clear and illuminating.

We wrote several poems today. The one I’m sharing came to me while on a slow morning jog. The others may not be ready for prime time. . .or even for blogging. Oddly, the one I’m sharing is the one that took the least time to write.

Running Away

I forgot to dance today.

I think it was the bombs

or the laser surgery.

Either way

I had to stay in and hold the baby.

I forgot to sing today.

My inner voice was hoarse from yelling at me for things

I should have

done

or said

or felt

I forgot to read today.

It’s funny how a tiny bit of saltwater

makes the letters blur

I forgot to pray today.

The gods have been so quiet lately

and my prayers are always the same

anyway.

I forgot today.

Just like my parents before me

and their parents before them.

Dates and heads arrange themselves

in order of age across the horizon.

Who goes first?

You tell me.