The Power to Be, the Power to See

The theme of the 2nd Annual Women's Writing retreat last weekend was The Power to Be, the Power to See. We focused a lot on the images we see, in nature and our surroundings, and in our own lives. It was a truly inspirational, and utterly relaxing weekend. I dedicate this poem to my writing sisters.

The Power to Be, the Power to See
Laurie J. Kemp

Solitary and in silent meditation
preparing with a cognitive massage
and then I commune with my sisters
pensive and contemplative
we reflect, we write, we relate we share

the power to be

There is beauty in the collective spirit
the unabashed honesty and unconditional acceptance
storytelling of common experience
and outlying uniquenesses
joys, tears, laughter and fears

the power to be.

The beauty and promise of the rising sun
shines golden reflections on the quiet bay
and the midnight sky brightens to blue
over beach dwelling birds and gulf creatures
majestic trees and brackish estuaries

the power to see

The vulnerability of women revealing their true selves
allowing the words to pour onto pages and the freedom
to let go of what could have been and what once was
leaving the unlived, welcoming what might be,
the reflection of ourselves in each other

the power to see.