Written on The New Moon

Why is it so hard to let go?
Let go of old hurts, habits, memories
that now have minor impact
people who have faded
people who allowed to stomp around
in the mind and heart
walls kicked in with no regard
of how long rebuilding takes
people who tried to stuff you in boxes, corners and closets
without your permission
without finding out about you
your voice
your truth
the words of others enough to try to keep you in your place
doormats can make the weak feel better
why is it so hard now
the sludge, nasty and thick
even emanating from those who share blood
(pitied but not scorned, my grandmother used to say)
it's very hard to let go
but, the past can be the worst anchor
learn the feel of the water
seek out new anchors, roots
to pull onto new shores
(or to see present shores through new eyes)
learn all that we can, swim
let the weight wash away with each ripple and wave
the heavy sadness
the burdens of hurt
soot and ash of old musings
can be dusted off
there's always a chance to build our arms
to lift ourselves to fresh ground