Heather Pound

lately i have been ‘behind.’

behind in chores, 

behind in housework, tasks,

in communication with others,

in things i want to learn, and things

i want to write. 

~~

this, however, is because i realized 

that i have been behind in other 

fundamental things far longer than 

advisable. things like staring at 

the sea, noticing toasty sunlight

on my skin,

~~

letting thoughts unravel. a kind of

hibernation that does not require

production from mind, body or soul, 

and embraces badly needed rest 

that is finally attainable in the season

at hand. 

~~

and i know that i will be better, and 

more productive and more interactive 

and more importantly more ‘whole’ 

because of allowing myself to get behind 

in tasks, but focusing on vital things 

nevertheless.

~~

—rest is an intentional activity too. 

©Heather Pound 2023

image:Dan Burton/Unsplash

we walk down the gravel hill

within the tunnel of trees

and i nearly slip and fall

and you chuckle and say 

that i should follow instead

the example of the old

rally driver i am with

who knows where on

the path the grip lies

and you would be right.

~~

–listening to someone who has been there and knows about the path you are on is advantageous.

©Heather Pound 2023

my image

the storm is rising, forecasting

days of torrential rain ahead. 

~~

i walk down by the beach and

lean into the wind, struggling

to stay upright, grinning at other

humans as we pass by, brave.

~~

hair flying, clothing dancing.

~~

and then i glimpse the perfect

sight of hope in the face of tempest.

~~

sails rippling and smiles wide, 

they run towards water and choose 

the elements as their friend. 

~~

laughing at its efforts, they 

harness instead. letting wind carry 

them across ocean in pure, 

intentional joy.

~~

so, i stop, sit, and watch them 

for a while, ponytail whipping my face, 

and welcome the challenge stirring within

~~

that this is how to face the season ahead. 

not retreating, not hiding, not afraid,

but shoulders squared, embracing 

the beauty within the storm. 

~~

©Heather Pound 2023

image:mine

it has taken quite a few years, but i think i am now close to

seeing myself the way that you have always seen me:

competent, kind, talented, even a little bit wise

—and equal, especially this,

something i had never really be offered before.

you chose a partner, someone to share life with

but also, to discuss deep topics and to make decisions 

—together.

~~

this, the precious gift that you presented on the day that we wed

but something that i did not dare to dream that you actually meant 

for quite a few years.

my history, my culture, myself, always in the way,

but you have made me believe 

not only that i have the freedom to do significant things

but that i have the abilities needed as well

and you are happy, nay jubilant, to cheer me on.

~~

and would you believe, that i, who can usually say

just what i want when it comes to thoughts on a page

struggle put into words just how much this means

and how much you mean to this heart set free,

and how deeply and ardently i appreciate

the gift that is being yours, this healing,

and for the relationship that we now have

but you always intended

—as partners

~~

©Heather Pound 2022

image:Dương Hữu/Unsplash

how incredibly tenacious

as a tree you must be

to sprout, and grow

and even flourish

whist clinging to 

the top of a rock

and battered by 

the wind and waves

~~

–life lessons from nature

©Heather Pound 2022

when my child was 

but one month old

she sat in her carrier, 

contemplating.

glancing at my face 

from time to time,

but mostly staring 

at a chair 

in fascination

while my doctor 

examined me. 

and he commented,

‘look at what 

she’s doing now.

this, this is vital 

for development, 

giving children space 

from activity and 

noise and letting 

them just be. this

is a gift as mother 

that you can provide. 

~~

and today i sat across

from my loved one 

in silence.

staring at the view, 

soaking in the day

and realized that 

this is one of the 

most productive things 

i have done in ages.

embracing companionship,

creating space for rest 

for heart and mind

experiencing solace, 

gathering in strength for

the journey ahead, 

peace in the now.

this is important work, 

yes work, that produces

longevity and quality 

in everything else we do. 

just as it was for my child. 

~~

—-during this holiday season, offer yourself the gift of space.

©Heather Pound 2022

image:Ben White/Unsplash

image:Subhajit Jana/Unsplash

do not gaze long on the bottom of the jar

that reveals scarcity, lack.

~~

empty is not there to appropriate your 

thoughts and transform into fear.

~~

it simply means there is room to be filled

so, what will that ‘more’ be?

~~

–you get to choose.

©Heather Pound 2022

image:Autumn Mott Rodeheaver/Unsplash

do you know that it’s okay 

to be tired, to feel the 

weight in your limbs,

sluggishness of thought,

eyes heavy,

words jumbling out slow?

~~

this does not scream ‘failure’

or ‘something’s wrong.’

this is a natural state signaling 

that rest is needed,

nay, required after seasons

of pushing uphill long.

~~

you do not shame yourself

for requiring air to breathe,

so why do we shun rest,

nonsensically striving to show 

that we are stronger than this

basic human function, unhealthy?

~~

so, if you must be like a bear

and hibernate for extended days

this is okay. you can tuck

yourself up in cave and slumber

as desired because rest is not 

defeat, it is a healthy need.

~~

©Heather Pound 2022

image:Priscilla Du Preez/Unsplash

sit with me beside the sea

and let us watch the waves

and maybe you’ll remember 

that there is power beyond 

your own frame of reference

and fantastic beauty 

to be found

all around 

~~

and that disengagement

that you have worn as 

part of survival long

may start to fade

if we sit here and 

watch together

in hope

and wait

~~

©Heather Pound 2022

image:Dylan Sauerwein/Unsplash