Thursday, November 18, 2021

I Am She Who Caught All the Lemons

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”.

45 comments:

  1. 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.

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    Replies
    1. Boots and hats are just lovable, aren't they?

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    2. And I'm right there with you with the supportive walking shoes. As long as they work, I am happy!

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  2. Yeah, love the energy that sweetens life's sour little lemons! I need some of that strength now and then!

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  3. Magaly, these boots are gonna walk all over you, loved that song. Poor soul you wrote about. "I am she
    who 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.
    ..

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    Replies
    1. I like that song, too, Jim. Very catchy. Just like "Punch brothers, punch".

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  4. So much strength and fire behind these soothing words XXX

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  5. So much fire and strength indeed Magaly.
    Love your words, especially the last stanza.
    Loads of love
    Anna :o]

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  6. No abetter example of making lemonade from lemons than you, sweet Magaly. You share your positive thoughts with us weekly, and they are much appreciated.

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    Replies
    1. And like I always say, knowing that you appreciate them makes me stronger (and happier), my dear Bev.

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  7. yes, find something good out of a bad situation.
    love the strength and defiance in the poem.

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  8. Excellent work - very inspirational.

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  9. This 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.

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    Replies
    1. I 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.

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  10. i love this so so much! you are a magician and i <3 you!
    ~*~

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  11. I too love this sssoooo much, and written for a good cause.

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  12. How beautiful, Magaly:

    “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

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    Replies
    1. And they've been showing me right back, which is awesome!

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  13. The others will appreciate your soothing sips of poetry.Enjoy the class.

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    Replies
    1. We've been enjoying what everyone creates. It's really fun.

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  14. I'll raise a glass of that tangy-sweet lemonade. It tastes all the sweeter knowing we made it ourselves.

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  15. i love that ending magaly, that's my kind of lemonade.

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  16. These boots are made for walking and making lemonade with lemons! Great progression and fun write.

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  17. Knowing you, I'm certain if any of your fans asked ... you would share every last sip of the lemonade. A beautiful, thoughtful write, Magaly.

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  18. So 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.

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    1. For "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.

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  19. "those sour little bastards" - my laugh startled my companion. I'm glad you shared your magical sips of lemonade.

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  20. Well-penned. I am she
    who caught all the lemons
    life threw her way,
    and sweetened
    (the sour little bastards)
    into soothing sips of poetry.

    eaningful.

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