I
am she who sports
knee-high
boots all summer long,
collects
memorable hats and
lusts
after totes
with wide straps—
boots
to walk steady
over ever-present
pain-pits,
hats to save my scalp
from
burn and chill,
widely
strapped totes
because…
I am
she
who
caught all the lemons
life
threw her way,
and
sweetened
(the sour little bastards)
into
soothing sips of poetry.
photo by Heather Barnes, on Unsplash
-
I created this poem for the coordinator of a newly formed chronic illness group
(out of my local Veterans Affairs Medical Center), who asked me
for a few pieces to use as examples in their first chronic illness and pain
management art therapy class.
- for Poets and Storytellers United--Friday Writings #3: A Different Interpretation, where we are asked to reinterpret a well-known saying. I used a combination of “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade” and “These boots are made for walking”.
What a great thing to do with lemons! And I love boots and hats – only partly because of health reasons – though these days supportive walking shoes serve me better, even if not so chic.
ReplyDeleteBoots and hats are just lovable, aren't they?
DeleteAnd I'm right there with you with the supportive walking shoes. As long as they work, I am happy!
DeleteYeah, love the energy that sweetens life's sour little lemons! I need some of that strength now and then!
ReplyDeleteWe all do, I think.
DeleteMagaly, these boots are gonna walk all over you, loved that song. Poor soul you wrote about. "I am she
ReplyDeletewho caught all the lemons
life threw her way," is sticking with me like Mark Twain's "Punch brothers, punch" ditty of the train conductor. Our generation calls it an 'earworm'.
Nice writing.
..
I like that song, too, Jim. Very catchy. Just like "Punch brothers, punch".
DeleteSo much strength and fire behind these soothing words XXX
ReplyDeleteThey sound just like you.
DeleteBRAVO!!!
ReplyDeleteMUCH❤LOVE
Thank you, Gillena.
DeleteSo much fire and strength indeed Magaly.
ReplyDeleteLove your words, especially the last stanza.
Loads of love
Anna :o]
Thank you, Anna!
DeleteNo abetter example of making lemonade from lemons than you, sweet Magaly. You share your positive thoughts with us weekly, and they are much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteAnd like I always say, knowing that you appreciate them makes me stronger (and happier), my dear Bev.
Deleteyes, find something good out of a bad situation.
ReplyDeletelove the strength and defiance in the poem.
Sometimes, that's the only way.
DeleteExcellent work - very inspirational.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lady M. I'm glad you think so.
DeleteThis is very special. I hope the participants in the art therapy class will get out of it what you put into it...your love, and your life. Five stars, Magaly.
ReplyDeleteI was actually reading some of the pieces created by the class, and they are wonderful! I get all kinds of happy when I see them. If they are okay with it, I'll share some.
Deletei love this so so much! you are a magician and i <3 you!
ReplyDelete~*~
And I <3 you, right back!
DeleteI too love this sssoooo much, and written for a good cause.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm very glad.
DeleteHow beautiful, Magaly:
ReplyDelete“and sweetened
(the sour little bastards)
into soothing sips of poetry”
I’m so proud of you for showing them how it’s done. <3
And they've been showing me right back, which is awesome!
DeleteThe others will appreciate your soothing sips of poetry.Enjoy the class.
ReplyDeleteWe've been enjoying what everyone creates. It's really fun.
DeleteI'll raise a glass of that tangy-sweet lemonade. It tastes all the sweeter knowing we made it ourselves.
ReplyDeleteYes!!!
Deletei love that ending magaly, that's my kind of lemonade.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
DeleteThese boots are made for walking and making lemonade with lemons! Great progression and fun write.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Colleen. I had a blast.
DeleteKnowing you, I'm certain if any of your fans asked ... you would share every last sip of the lemonade. A beautiful, thoughtful write, Magaly.
ReplyDeleteYou know me too well.
DeleteSo beautiful and powerful..and the wondrous visuals you have pierced into my mind..I love that you make a most diabolical magical lemonade no matter what..it is who you are.. full of fire, creativity and magic..a beautiful creature!! Loved this! it brings inspiration to those days/moments when you need to remember that your inner fire can take you through any storm and make life taste sweet again.
ReplyDeleteFor "when you need to remember that your inner fire can take you through any storm and make life taste sweet again." I love that. A lot.
DeleteOutstanding!
ReplyDeleteGracias!
Delete"those sour little bastards" - my laugh startled my companion. I'm glad you shared your magical sips of lemonade.
ReplyDeleteYay, for laughter!
DeleteWell-penned. I am she
ReplyDeletewho caught all the lemons
life threw her way,
and sweetened
(the sour little bastards)
into soothing sips of poetry.
eaningful.
Thank you.
Delete