Healing Our Hunger
Imagery and Poetry for Ending Food Insecurity
By Barbara L. Chapman
https://www.blurb.com/b/11671336
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Category Archives: Wisdom
Circumstances
A dance with changing circumstances ,
a drain or a lift ? A reestablishment of sense of self and finding one’s footing once
again.
Not for the faint of heart yet as we move through that which we fear in time it
is transformed into the familiar .
A dance with identity perceived by the inner self and interpretations of how we think
the world views us .
It’s the perceptions that we hold onto with fierceness can cause the most discomfort .
Is it habit or real ? If it is habit that doesn’t make it any less real .
Dancing through circumstances may feel more like trudging through mud in moments
of fear …all it takes is one moment and then you feel like your home and the comfort is
real .
Does a Soul Choose …
A new life arrives . She is given away . Is the first experience of this life one of trauma ? Aside from the one of leaving a safe womb does the separation from her beginnings of life impact her sense of comfort and trust ?
She is born with a trusting heart no matter the circumstances . She loves deeply , so deeply that it surprises even her .
Welcomed into a home , into a family , that wants to be what it is not . There is love . There is love that battles within itself and with it’s own brokenness . Her love , in innocence , rises to the surface in moments of celebration . Like when she awakens first thing every morning , before opening her eyes , then is a joyous smile across her face. Did her soul choose to know the indescribable ache while also choosing to carry a joy filled heart and an ever replenishing trust ? The brokenness of the family integrated more trauma into her original wound and in quietness she finds a healer , herself . Did her soul choose ?
And in her quietness she sometimes dreams of knowing wholeness . Enchanted by the sight of the moon and the stars she finds a sense of rootedness in them . And when she is near water and it’s powerful timelessness then she feels held by the breath of all life past , present and future .
The Man in the Tower Hiding
A comet soaring through the sky wishing away worries from the earth below .
It’s only for moment .
Fires of the quest for justice burn ….and burn .
And those few that are untouched and are so far away from the pain just scold .
And blame .
The man in the tower hiding the darkness behind false whiteness steals souls and
glows red .
And tosses raw flesh to his spectators .
Unrealized is the relentless power of the will to do right . It won’t stop .
The birth of reawakening in the heart and spirit of warriors in our streets come
together as one .
This battle is not done . 
Vulnerability and Shared Humanity
When one person shares their vulnerability that is an invitation to others to to share theirs and
when that happens it is a coming together in our shared humanity . It is putting down the fear ,
anger , hurt and embracing the profound , beautiful struggles that we share . That’s a place for
healing to begin .
Come Back
Come back . Come back to the trust in your heart . Remember a moment when your heart was repelled by hate and all you wanted was the feeling of home . The feeling of being loved in spite of hard times . The feeling that somehow it is all going to be fine .
Come back . Come back to the truth that you care . Have you been hidden from compassion because fear made you chase circles of lies ? It’s ok to put down the fear and to feel what’s real.
Come back to all humanity and be free .
The Gift of an Eagle
Late afternoon sun inspiring a drive to the water’s edge . The coolness in the air nearly stopped a walk on the beach . It was a day that could have been early spring or fall . The light from the sun was diffused by clouds and yet also giving a comforting warmth in the breezes .
I stopped at a bench and sat for a bit . It was low tide though the water seemed to be coming back in . Small waves on top of small waves and the light shimmering and dancing along the water’s surface . Looking out and looking in as I sometimes call it . Looking beyond the day’s events and freeing one’s mind .
It was just then that I noticed a bird sitting atop of a piling , exposed by low tide , out in the water . Looking more intently I reared that it wasn’t just any bird but rather an Eagle . I remained for a bit longer . I began hoping that I’d get to witness his flight and just as I stood up to go this wonderful bird took flight from his perch .
He soared with such grace and beauty . I stood watching , taking it in , and whispering ” thank you .”
Wisdom in the Shadows
The murmurings are there , ever sweet and dear . They are there . The challenge to know oneself better than any other is truly what the world has asked of you . You may choose to make a fancy flight of getting away or a plain ‘ole barn to stash away , but the light that is you will find it’s way . It will find it’s way out and into the world .
There is wisdom in those shadows that you shy away from . wisdom so dear it will take your breath away . Give pause and listen to the splendid quietness and you will hear the wisdom in the shadows .
‘Jewel of Life’ Acrylic 18×17″
blchapman 