Unbreakable... The Spirit of Ukraine

 

Unbreakable

 

Our hearts break

as we witness the unthinkable, 

haunted by the eyes of

innocent children,

 mothers and fathers,

 soldiers and citizens,

 eyes that cannot mask

the burden they bear,

eyes reflecting such deep sorrow,

eyes not certain of tomorrow

only the horrors of today,

mournful reflections

of lives lost, and torn apart

by a greedy lust for power

 while the world watches in horror

too afraid to challenge madness...

history repeating itself,

what have we learned...

our weary hearts confused, and overwhelmed

 slowly grow numb,

but a nation's spirit

 does not concede,

instead it lights up the world

with it's courage and love,

and empowers itself

to stand bravely alone

redefining the meaning of courage

and reminding the world

that no matter how dark the days become,

not even a mad man has the power

 to break a nations spirit...

 

My thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Ukraine, and to the collective hearts that suffer alongside them. I know people around the world are united in prayer for their well being and the peace and freedom they deserve. May this light and love we share bring some small comfort.

respectfully, with love and light,

Penny Bowman

Gifts of Light ... Saying Goodbye to our Mothers

 

How do we say goodbye to our mothers...

If we are wise, we won't,

we will grieve deeply,

and over time, come to peace

with the depth of what we've lost,

 and all that we have gained...

 We will long for the unconditional love we took for granted,

and with time, feel it's reassuring warmth again...

We will count our blessings

for the courage and strength we learned,

for the sacrifices selflessly made,

and the amazing resilience that was gift wrapped in smiles,

We will honor the lessons learned,

 smile when her words

randomly pop into our heads,

and savor the bittersweet memories that bring us joy,

We won't say goodbye, we'll move forward,

we'll honor her memory with pride,

knowing that she will always be 

 an integral part of who we are,

 a gift of light 

 we will carry in our hearts forever...

A friend of mine recently lost her mother, and although I never met her mom, I enjoyed hearing stories about her and had come to admire her, for like most mothers, she exuded extraordinary strength, courage and resilience. I know what it is like to lose a mother and I have felt the weight of many of my friend's losses, as my own echoed back in my heart. This poem is a tribute to all the mothers who have passed on, and to all of us who are left behind, longing for one more moment, while so very grateful for all the ones we were blessed with.  

love and light,

penny bowman