Do you sometimes feel like an octopus, with its tentacles stretching in different directions, not knowing what to do next? Your to-do list too long? You want to go back to sleep?
I hope this poem adds a smile on your face, a laugh, and helps you breathe through the tentacles of your hectic life.
If I Listen
My back appeals I lie down,
My feet ache to let loose and dance,
My nose closes, waiting for help to breathe,
And my back reminds me, if I could breathe
I would not need to lie down.
My cat meows, hold me; my dog barks, walk me
My spouse declares, we need to play more
My engineer brother tells me, read computer books
And my snowshoes shout, use me.
My 500 emails remind me I’m a slowpoke
My desk detests the weight of files on it, masking its wooden beauty
My fingers scratch for a manicure
And my body aches for a massage.
My mind screams, quiet!
Read the books waiting patiently on the coffee table.
But my soul – my soul just asks that I listen – not read or work.
If I listen – I will hear all the knowledge in the books I have no time to read.
If I listen – I will savor harmony and my body will relax.
If I listen – I will not question who I am and what I should do.
If I listen – I will value the sounds of peace.
If I listen – I will be peace.
If we listen – we will be peace.
Do you make time to listen? How do you deal with being overwhelmed? Let’s share and learn together.
2019 © Roberta S. Kuriloff
Love this Roberta. I feel more relaxed just reading it. At this time, I feel overwhelmed with responsibilities galore, and I love your last line..
If I listen-I will be peace.
Perfect.
Thank you my friend.
Hi Laura,
I surely know the feeling of being overwhelmed! As a lawyer I was juggling 50 cases at one time, if not more, client needs, trial work, office needs, and my personal life. I loved it but it took away from feeling centered. I originally wrote this poem during that period of time. But life is never truly calm. So I have to center through meditation, reading material that centers me, dance, and spend quality time with people. In this rushed world, we need the support of others. Roberta
I agree with Laura….it was relaxing just reading it! It definitely brought a smile to my face. Thank you!
Hi Susan,
Thank you for the smile. You always bring a smile to my face, especially when we walk the dogs.
Roberta
So true Roberta! We learn to listen to ourselves so that we can be good listeners for others. Overwhelm is easy for me right now so I will take you advice to stop and listen!
Hi Lynnsey,
You make an important observation. So true that when we learn to listen to ourselves, we get better at listening to others. Life is a two-way street. And in groups, it is a criss-crossing highway!
Roberta
Very nice piece, Roberta!
Appreciate your support Nina.
Thank you for these thoughts
Hi Tricia,
Glad you enjoyed them, Roberta
Well constructed, Roberta. Gives the reader the ability to think within themselves.
Thank you Cynthia. Your words mean a lot.
Roberta