Books Bridge Healing #Sol15 #DigiWriMo

Tonight I participate in Two Writing Teachers Slice of Life and Digital Writing Month.

Nine weeks ago, my husband and I agreed to open our home to two sisters needing a foster home.  We didn't know how long they would stay.  We didn't know what to expect.  They were able to go back home last week.  It was bittersweet.  These thoughts have been twirling around in my head for weeks.  The power of books can never be underestimated.

 I wanted to play with images and voice in this poem.  I treasure the photograph because it captures how far we came all because of books.

Healing

You came to me

Hurt and wounded

The wall

Around you

Unyielding.

In that first hug

Your stiffened body

Told me

“Stay away.”

I cried inside for you.

I introduced you to Greg

The Wimpy Kid

We had something to talk about

The wall shifted

Just a bit.

After Greg, I introduced you  to Sunny Lewin.

You understood her.

She hurt just like you.

The wall cracked.

A brick or two fell.

And I hoped.

Next, we met Crenshaw together.

Shared conversations around

An imaginary cat

Fortified you.

Tentatively, you crept closer.

More bricks came toppling down.

You moved to your own books

While I had mine.

Meeting each night

Snuggled side by side

The wall disintegrated.

Healing began.

I watched you

Soften

Smile

Blossom

Amidst stories and characters

Who made you laugh

Who made you cry

And most importantly,

Who gave you hope.