Lately, my eyes have been focusing differently.Whenever anything is near my eyes, ie a book or phone screen, my eyes will innately focus on that one thing while everything beyond what I’m focusing on blurs. It’s like focusing in portrait mode, the background becomes fuzzy while the words I’m reading become better than crystal clear.ThisContinue reading “Close Focus”
Author Archives: Kelly Severseike
The Power of Mindful Breathing
I have found comfort in my breath. Inhaling and exhaling are often done without thought. The body knows how to breathe without the mind getting involved. But there is something about getting my mind involved with my breathing that has helped calm my thoughts and body. Learning how to belly breathe can change the body’s way ofContinue reading “The Power of Mindful Breathing”
Saturday Drive
I go on a drive looking for my old self.I listen to old music and sing along. Dixie Chicks and Bob Dylan,Songs from my childhood that have bled into my young adult years.The leaves have barely changedAs the season of summer is about to leave for the year.Saturday, 79 degrees, and endless blue skiesGuide myContinue reading “Saturday Drive”
Summer Before Fall
The end of summer is near. I sit in the shade out backand listen to the lastof the summer sounds.Noises of insects soundinglike frogs in the afternoon.Kids are walking homefrom school, leaves are preparing to changecolors soon. What to do?Nothing but observethe small airplane flyingoverhead before reminding myself it is best not to move myContinue reading “Summer Before Fall”
No Fireworks in September
A single sound shoots through the summer night. It’s loud and fast and gone before I can comprehend what is happening. There are no rippling sounds that fade into the darkness. No colors flying across the sky. No screams for help. As I’m writing this on a Sunday afternoon, I’ve only heard this sound twice,Continue reading “No Fireworks in September”
One Year with Abnormally Puffy Eyes
I was in a McDonald’s bathroom somewhere in Iowa.I was exhausted from a weekend full of family time and walking around the Minnesota State Fair.My dad and I had left a few hours before dawn and began the long drive back home.As soon as we got on the road, I instantly fell back asleep, holdingContinue reading “One Year with Abnormally Puffy Eyes”
XXVI
I’m older than I was but I still feel quite young.Birthdays aren’t as celebratory the older I get. It’s just another age that takes a whole yearTo adjust to saying, only to have to change itWhen my birthday comes along again.There’s nothing special about turning 26 Except for health insurance and my license expires.As aContinue reading “XXVI”
Always a Kid
For the majority of people, no matterHow old you get, the dynamic withYour family members never change.Your dad is still your dad, mom is stillYour mom, siblings are still your siblings.Years can pass and as soon as you get backInto the same room or are stuck togetherFor a significant amount of time, it’s like TimeContinue reading “Always a Kid”
I Don’t Remember Your Name But I Do Remember Where You Live
If you take to me some place new, then tell me to find my way backwithout using a map or phone, I can do it.I could not be paying attention,distracted by the screen in my handor the music I’m listening to,and I’d still be able to find the streetI’ve only been on once before.I canContinue reading “I Don’t Remember Your Name But I Do Remember Where You Live”
Morning Crossword
The open screen door lets the cool morning air into the kitchen. Water is heating in a pot that’s on a circle plugged into the wall sitting on the counter. I open my computer and do a New York Times’ crossword puzzle as I wait for the boiling point. When I hear the circle turnContinue reading “Morning Crossword”
Kelly Severseike 