Mother’s Day celebrating …

It’s that time of year again when we celebrate mothers. It’s one of those holidays that make my heart sing for many reasons.

First, I love that I have had the pleasure in life to be a mother – my children, and the spouses they have chosen are a true blessing. I am proud of them all! They have brought out the best in me. They have challenged my spirit to grow in ways I never imagined anyone could. They have enhanced and expanded my life and I am grateful!

Second, When I look at my mother, aunts, sisters and grandmothers I feel deep appreciation because I know the sacrifices they have made for me and my family. Every woman in my family has made a deep and lasting impression on me and my life, both as a woman, and a mother. The ties of love run deep!

And lastly, this holiday is always marked with my favorite flowers as well … lilacs. The look and smell of them take me back to so many family-oriented moments. They make my heart happy and fill my mind with sentiments and hopes. 

As we move through this weekend I will share again the poem I wrote on a previous Mother’s Day that says it best of all …. I Am a Mother.

Enjoy the memories you love most of your mother and if you are blessed to have children (whether your own or any other) that look up to you and that you love … enjoy and celebrate your day!

The Quiet Roar – original poem

                       THE QUIET ROAR

Inside every opportunity is the chance to trip and fall

     upon our fears and indecisive groaning.

We begin with hope brimming from the sparkle of that

     which we covet to achieve.

We set our course and brace ourselves for 

     work, wish, and wonder.

Alas the day comes when a mountain appears before our eyes,

     looming ever bigger than we imagined.

It is not our reality but our paradigm of self disbelief

     wanting to cast a daunting shadow upon that fanciful dream.

That is the day we come to know just how deep our desire is planted,

     how well watered and cared for it might be.

We whisper to ourselves the secret question we dare not admit,

     which queries whether we are “enough.”

Indeed, we quake at the thought that we have not enough of

     something vital for the journey.

Have we stepped too far and gone past the brink

     of all that we know we can do, be, and have?

Pause … and stand in the stillness of the fear for but a time and listen

     for that even smaller voice inside our soul.

The one that knows the mighty truth of our unique

     and everlasting spirit.

“I am” I hear in the quietest voice buried

     deep inside my heart.

Again it squeaks, and stronger still until it turns into

     a deep and quiet roar.

“I AM” I speak, with growing confidence, all that

     I imagine that I can be.

And with that spoken declaration comes the brilliant truth

     at long last tumbling through my core.

It is not fear that will determine if I have what

     I need to carry forth.

It is the choice to hear within the ever knowing 

     truth of my existence.

I am all that I shall need to walk the next step of my path,

     the one that I came to dream of and create.

And fear must, as the laws of life command, slip ever sulkily away

     leaving only truth, and trust to stand.

Fear shall not win as long as I listen to that still small roar

    upon which I choose to follow.

                                  ~ Barbara Bernard Miller

 

My Soul Stirs – original poem

MY SOUL STIRS

Standing in the middle of movement, the twirling, swirling world moves around me.

With no warning. No clue. No signal.

Action fades into a standstill.

I caught a glance and my soul stirs.

I am suddenly and excitedly alive.

With every breath of air the goosebumps rise.

A green and vibrant vision appears.

Angels voices arise mingling with your words.

I see a new dimension where energy abounds.

With each moment, each hour, each revelation the connection is cementing.

I did not know the revelation was on the horizon.

Taken aback and yet surging full speed into possibility.

Oneness. Power. Collaboration.

I do what I know and it grows.

You do what you know and it explodes.

Healing and the healer emerging in a breath.

Souls embracing remembered power.

I see you more clearly.

Nothing will be the same.

Bliss

And my soul shivers.

~ Barbara Bernard Miller

Season of Beauty – original poem

SEASON OF BEAUTY

It isn’t the twinkle of lights in the city that brighten the holiday season,

  It is the smiles and gestures of charity from you that give the days their meaning.

It isn’t the songs that bring out the joy on the lips of all the people,

      It is the words of kindness that you are spreading that creates a joyful ripple.

It isn’t the food, cookies, or nog warming the hearths of the homes,

But rather the touch of a friend, or a hug that shows them they’re not alone.

It isn’t shoppers who bustle about, that create the atmosphere and energy,

It is the quiet connection of hearts and giving that melts the frost in the air.

I have a part, and you have a part, in bringing the season to life.

It is our union of spirit and not our religions that actually fuels the light.

It is the love in our hearts that we’re willing to share that creates a sense of community.

Believe you can spread the light and the love and we’ll all have a season of beauty.

~ Barbara Bernard Miller

Summer Dance of the Moon – original poem

SUMMER DANCE OF THE MOON

Ambling slowly in the path of my puppy

I follow in the heavy, humid night air.

Greeted by the golden orb of a full moon

The sight brings a settled feeling to my soul.

Just beyond is the sprinkling of colorful fire works

Ushering in the celebration of freedom.

In silence I stand with the companionship of

Only a small family friend, no other sound for a moment.

Silence broken in the distance with the laugh of a child

Followed by the splashing of the refreshing pool.

With every step, the moon appears to grow larger

And I am aware of the cosmic twirling.

Summer sun and brilliant moon dancing in the season.

And for a moment I know that all is well.

~ Barbara Bernard Miller

And So You Begin – original poem

AND SO YOU BEGIN!

Weaving through the hours and days of shifting emotions,

I see you spinning from one expression to another.

One moment with excitement and anticipation.

Another with a sigh of remembrance and connection.

Change twirling about your feet, anxious to overtake you.

One more box packed and another farewell complete.

Trying desperately to focus on the work at hand,

You finish a task, and pass it on.

Someone else will see it through and champion your ideas.

They didn’t have the vision, but caught it from you.

It is not easy to move through the detangling process.

You gave your time, talent, passion, and heart.

You received recognition for your achievements.

And soon there will be but a handful who remember.

With that realization your mood shifts again.

You twirl to meet the new adventure with semi-open arms.

A quick glance back reveals those who will miss you.

Sending heartfelt love and appreciation in your direction.

But you are now crossing the bridge into another land.

An adventure known only in stories, fantasies, and dreams.

And yet, the first step has become clearer and

Awaits your committed but hesitant move.

You are now on the bridge toward retirement.

You, still being you, but in a new light.

This old work is unfinished and yet very complete.

Discovery is now the work of the day.

Your time as arrived, more swiftly than you thought.

And so … you begin!

~ Barbara Bernard Miller

Just Speak – original poem

JUST SPEAK!

From stem to stern and back again.

Top to bottom, without end.

Your cells know the energy of a positive flow.

Your words bellow forth with new life.

The sentiment of your heart changes the air.

Every part of you responding to the beat of your cares.

With heavy heart the day goes dark.

With lightness of hope the day glows.

It isn’t the outside that colors your world.

But the rainbow of thoughts and words.

With practice your mind can shift your view.

Allowing the breaking of dawn.

Brushing aside the darkest of thoughts.

You harness the power of control.

With it comes swift changes to your world.

It’s your words that speak your thoughts to life.

As your energy entwines with others.

A thought, a word, a positive shift.

Is all it takes to change your path.

From slowly slipping away with regret.

To a warm embrace of belonging.

It only takes one act from you.

You have the power within.

To shift the story of who you are.

Just speak your life to your dreams.

It changes everything.

~ Barbara Bernard Miller

End of Longing – original poem

                                  “End of Longing”

In the hustle and bustle of the busy world

You appear, gradually moving forward.

The perspective of time is askew with

Regular movement appearing as slow motion.

Change is so rapid and adjustment is crawling.

No amount of anticipation allows you to draw closer.

Patience and perseverance are the order of the day.

I see you, and keep my eyes affixed

As you are the desire of my heart.

I have been in this place before.

Longing to move toward you with grace and speed.

My heart quickens at the fear that you will remain

Afar and fixed outside my grasp.

And yet, I know that even the sluggishness of time

Will pass and I will stand looking at you within reach.

Calm, and unshakable, your attraction grows stronger.

I pray the ticking of time makes it inevitable.

For me to have you and you to have me.

And contentment will settle in around us.

Wrapping us in the glow of knowing.

For you are the fulfillment of a promise.

I stand in awe wishing for that day in my future.

You are the prize of the game.

And then the realization crashes in around me.

All of this is just a figment of fancy.

There is no distance in this hall of mirrors.

Time neither rushes nor slows.

There is only the perception that you are distant.

In an instant I know that you are here.

You have been available to me in every moment.

I pushed you away in fear and anxiety.

I ignored you in the busyness of my day.

I shut out the call you made to my soul

Because distraction seemed so urgent.

And instead I chose longing over achieving.

This game called life created an illusion.

This gift called peace that I have been craving.

Well, it is already mine.

And with a heavy sigh I allow the dream to end.

I breathe in the knowledge that this peace

Is not around me but in me.

There is nothing that is missing.

There is no action that is needed.

I settle in knowing that I have what I desire.

I mourn the wasting of my time.

I rejoice in the end of the struggle.

I am grateful for the sudden wisdom.

I am at peace.

~ Barbara Bernard Miller

Walk On – original poem

WALK ON …

It’s true the words they sing in the songs.

Where it’s a fantasy to try to right the wrongs.

Of a word cast afloat in the sea of spite.

When those who hurt me think they are right.

I love with arms flung open wide.

And grieve in pain when cast aside.

When I let them in I took the chance.

That love would out last every circumstance.

But alas the dream comes to an end.

When the one I love disappears in the bend.

And I am left with questions spinning my head.

And looking for answers in the words I’ve read.

It’s those who are closest that seem to manage.

The deepest cuts and the broadest damage.

Time will mend my heart once more.

Life doesn’t end with the close of a door.

With lessons learned and tears now dry.

I will lift my head and walk on with a sigh.

~ Barbara Bernard Miller

 

 

 

Storm Watch – original poem

Storm Watch

Awash with anticipation I look to the western sky.

The power shaking the air before the storm arrives.

Dark clouds barreling and bullying forward.

Making known its coming with smoldering threats.

The smell of the air is familiar, heavy, and foreboding.

Animals scurry taking heed the warning of Mother Nature.

Leaves flipping and curling on the trees awaiting a violent drink.

An enveloping of darkness foreshadowing the angry rains.

Thunder calling ahead with a daring in its voice.

Quiet and calm skittishly waiting to be chased away.

With a sense of danger and fascination dancing a mysterious tango.

I pray we find no wake of destruction upon its passing.

I listen closely, knowing the possibilities that approach.

Snuggling a little deeper in the comfort of my home.

Awaiting the cleansing on tomorrow’s dawn.

The first drop bounces on my window.

~ Barbara Bernard Miller

I Am a Mother – original poem

May is traditionally the month we honor mothers here in the US. Here’s a new poem in honor of all mothers – those that we are and those that we love. Be blessed!

I AM A MOTHER

Looking into your face I see all that you are.

No secrets of your past can change my heart.

No struggles of the future will cool my love.

I have no illusions of your mortal perfection.

But I recognize and acknowledge your perfect soul.

Your arrival was blessed and inspired devotion.

I saw you grow by inches and learn by miles.

I celebrate your endless possibilities.

I know you on a cellular and heart level.

And love you on every emotional plane.

Your mistakes are for learning and triumphs for growth.

And I go with you as you carry my lessons into your life.

I cannot change your path but I guide your steps.

I cannot protect you from all harm but I comfort your pain.

I cannot walk every step but I light your way with my wisdom.

I hold nothing back.

I reserve no love ungiven.

I am blessed in seeing my place in creation.

I am a mother.

~ Barbara Bernard Miller

Shifting – original poem

SHIFTING

The winds of change are sweeping unceasingly upon us.

Never guessing where the next shift will be, we are on guard.

Always with eyes in front and behind, we fidget with suspicion.

Relief coming in fitful bouts of sleep or distraction.

This pace is a frenzy that we are unable to sustain.

Collective discomfort is showing its wear and strain.

So, in contrast, I breathe.

In and out with a rhythm dictated by my attention.

With each movement of air a little more tension dissolves.

In open surrender I flow within this state of change.

Worry is useless and guessing ineffective.

Energy is restored with each mindful choice to let go.

All things fall in place once they are surrendered.

What will be shall manifest itself in due and rightful timing.

I am afloat in my conscious state of releasing.

And peace begins to restore itself around me.

My mind may wander but my spirit is at rest once more.

Shifting through change, from chaos to calm.

~ Barbara Bernard Miller

SOULS ALIVE – original poem

                                         SOULS ALIVE

Inside of you and inside me is a soul designed to create.

Born to bring to life a piece of what makes us great.

In the dark of our imagination, a flicker of light does grow.

And into the day comes the manifestation of that which makes us glow.

From the second we see it forming in the back of our mind’s eye.

The essence begins to take its shape in a way we can’t deny.

Once it blooms into a form we ought not hide it away.

Because the creation that comes from our best must be given away.

Whether it’s art, or words of wisdom, or whether our gift is love,

We can trace its origins back to source, our creator, God above.

There is no chaos or drift of fate that allows for the act of creation.

For without an artist to think it up, there is no imagination.

You and I are the final product of the great Creator’s hand.

With love, a word, and nothing more, he made us on command.

And now in his image, and with the power of his heritage within.

We must stir up our spirit, and muster our courage to have ourselves begin.

To create the world we long to have, where everyone can thrive.

Is  exactly the reason we have power within to bring our souls alive.

~ Barbara Bernard Miller

Simplicity – original poem

                                                  SIMPLICITY

Simplicity of living is calling, prodding, and nudging me

Urging examination of the need for the things I see.

Why was it so important to possess just one more?

Could it have been to mask the hole deep inside my core?

The broken heart of my childhood from being sent away

Would not be mended by the woman I am, as I opened my hand to pay.

The rejection I felt from days gone by was the reality I knew inside

But it wasn’t things that was going to fix the wound that was gaping wide.

So I look to clear the clutter of my heart and of my home.

Knowing the space it will open up will allow my spirit to roam.

I won’t trip over object d’art or stash them out of sight.

I’ll release them one by one and then I’ll have room to see the light.

There’s no need to clear it all away for beauty has its place.

But one will do to please my eyes and not steal all my space.

And with the open crevices I’ll find some clear, clean air.

For now there’s room in heart and home for peace if I but dare.

~ Barbara Bernard Miller

 

Artwork from:

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/rodney-campbell.html

Wings Revealed – original poem

WINGS REVEALED

Out of the whisper of a prayer

The winds shift, drawing my attention.

From the lush green of the space emerges grandeur.

With grace, the mighty presence stretches

To reach his full and powerful stature.

Blinking in awe and surprise

I see that which was always hidden from my view.

Beside him, with effervescent glory stands a golden guardian.

Rushing to take action to ready the path

She moves with radiant intention.

And within a matter of moments the call is made.

Without hesitation a gathering begins to form.

With a frolic of wings and golden light

There stands a representation of spirit.

Angels keeping the space with a protective energy.

Celebrating the intention and movement of

human connection to self and others.

All are in the presence of the served.

And we are blessed.

~ Barbara Bernard Miller