I write in coffee shops I space out, my mind exited to entertain some thoughts instead. The beauty of a Saturday with nothing to do but write and visit and catch up on my life. The days where life has less structure brings joy to remember the things I forget to do when I am too busy focusing on going to the next thing, day in and day out. Just breathe.
a little poem filled with gratitude
I wasn’t a beach person. I hate sand, the feeling of it Between my toes is less than ideal. Being overheated and running out of Water while lounging was always my deal. Not choosing how long I was there Caused me to be restless. This was until I lived by a beach. Paying attention to the waves Making peace with the sand Enjoying the nature of being On the coast, something I never Imagined I would be grateful for. But I am.
Blocking
I play games with people They didn’t ask to join But I can’t speak this word So try and guess what I say. I have hit a wall on this word On this block, feels impossible It’s stuck in my throat My brain screams for me To say this. I know it, I know the damn word. I know what I am saying even if My tongue fails to produce it. The struggles of an inconsistent Stutter are the ups and downs Of every conversation. Unknowing how it will sound Until I try to speak aloud.
Memories Exist in Places
I walk up the stairs Moments of coming back Every summer flash Through my mind And I start to cry. The struggle to get Suitcases up and down, The many falls I took, Slipping halfway down Then sliding the rest of the way Everyone asking if I was okay. Little memories I will always Hold dear will forever remain In these walls. I loved it here. My mother’s home, where My grandparents raised Four children who went on To have children of their own. We all will always have special Ties to this place, to this home. It was a constant In my life for 25 years. I visited every summer This was my home Away from home. And now The chapter is closed.
star gazing
I looked up at the stars and felt small. Life gets put into perspective when looking out to the unknown. The autumn breeze blew against my skin. I felt cozy underneath my blanket. I gazed up at the universe searching for satellites and shooting stars but only found planes in a sea of constellations and spaces not known. The moon wasn’t around leaving the stars to shine bright enough over the horizon to be captured in photos taken on my phone.
happiness is
walking on the beach maneuvering as the waves hit the sand the fallen leaves on the grass all colorful in their glory dancing to my favorite songs when everyone is sleeping singing along to songs I loved as a kid in the car long road trips to my favorite place gray days where it’s warm enough to not need a jacket when walking outside but cold enough to where the crisp in the air makes my skin rise obsessively thinking about a book I'm reading trying to guess the ending petting a dog in a store that sits on my foot as I try to walk away okay, one more pet, I simply can’t resist
Afternoon Walk
Autumn leaves in-between telephone poles guide me down the road as I go passed places I have always known this place has always felt like home
Last Evening in Summer
I step outside around dusk my mood instantly changes the crisp in the air causes my body to perk up autumn is here! autumn is here! my favorite time of the year I relish in this feeling as the sun continues to drop in the sky behind the building I see the colors over the roof and feel a bliss I can only explain as genuine joy the heat is gone the cold has yet to arrive
Adjusting
I watched all summer long the vines from the plant outside my window move from one side to the other as it grew over the months. The end of summer is here and I find myself adjusting back to my routine after time spent with family. It's a bit jarring and relieving to return back to only me once more. How easy it is to fit into the mold of other people's thoughts. I am quiet when I am alone, pulling apart what is my idea from those I had been around. Their words appear in my brain like a bad memory, embarrassed by my tone but grateful to be able to grow.
Memorial Poem
In 2015, I wrote Grammie a poem for her 84th birthday. When she read it, she loved it. She asked me to read it at her funeral. She even kept a copy of it in her most important files for many years. At her graveside memorial on September 8, 2023, I read this poem. It was emotional but it was the perfect way to honor her memory.
Love you forever, Grammie.
For Grammie.
Her brown eyes shine lighting up when she remembers little moments from her past The love for her husband never faded he continues to walk with her after he passed for his soul never left her side His chair sits next to hers in the living room facing the television looking out windows onto the busy road Her children are grown have kids of their own generations continue to grow and flourish Time has flown by over fifty years she has lived in their home Flower wallpaper guides her up the stairs memories fly by filled with laughter from her children all the way down to her great grandkids A missing spindle in the banister holds a memory that turned out well but will never be forgotten Not afraid to speak her mind or share the wisdom of what she's learned over the last 84 years quoting Shakespeare never missing a word from a line of a rose Yet she continues to to let life surprise her in unexpected ways marveling at each day as though it's all brand new Her soul is beautiful as well as the woman I admire and love so
Kelly Severseike 