Its a challenge,
issued from me to me
let’s not see what Webster says,
we dare not look to a boxed, canned definition of this of all things, though many do and that’s fine too,
it is the first cousin of freedom,
that’s enough for now,
no,
we’ll open the window to the soul and listen for how the heart defines it, what it says
how it shapes,
with blood, and those pulsing veins, with bone and marrow tacked on too
and flesh, the skin, the cover
the words, they walk out like happy preschool
little ones at recess filled with pregnant wonder of running free
oh how they will run when the heavy school door opens and out they go.
the words, they wait on you,
come play, and bring your finest whimsy with you,
come dance, bring your dancing shoes,
we will breathe and I will wait
I will wait and we will pause
period
And understanding, heart and mind
and art , they will collide
down the playground slide
one atop another
into a heap of joy- squeeling, happy, word joy
they land, so soft.
And at the bottom
they are there
the words.
pick them up, dust them off,
and glean the poetic from the pile,
of words.
And if you find the thrill too short, that slide it always is
then get in line,
and down you go,
flailing, joy-filled down you go,
its at that bottom that you breathe,
and take a lingering look back up
at how you held your breath, and fully llived
whizzed right down
the short,
exhilaration
that was
the poem.
elizabeth w. marshall 
Interesting and good… loved the writing.
Sharon, great to have you here on this walk through words. Would love it if you have input for the series. Any words you’d like to see a post one?
You make me wonder what the poetic day would look like in my life. And that’s a good thing. Beauty here.
Oh and Laura, I want more poetry in all of my days too. I want to hear and see and breathe in the poetic. View it all through the lense of poetry. It can be quiet different, indeed. And beautiful. Thanks for reading along during this series, its gift.
Beautiful Elizabeth, darling…this might be my favorite of all your beauties. The unapologetic, delighting freedom…these tumbling joy words. Yes, this is poetry! The most gorgeous description of it I think I’ve ever read. So happy to be playing on the slide with you and these frolicking words!
Ah, yes friend. Frolicking indeed. Love that you love the poetry. Love that you choose to pilgrim with me. There is a richness in the fellowship. Didn’t He wire us for that? Aren’t we intended for community. And in the beginning was the Word. Makes me tremble at the tenderness of it.
Freedom! Love the word pictures here, Elizabeth. Enjoying your 31 days.
Tresta, I know you’ve been here and I’ll be soon coming your way to hear your voice. This community is gift. Your presence is too.
Finest whimsy, indeed! Love your word play but most of all, I love your joy. It’s plain dripping from this post. And it is why I can’t stop smiling these days…because I have discovered poetry anew.