Today I heard the sound of trickling water, the rustle of a warmish breeze, and birds chirping. The smell was like the edge of winter mixed with the slightest bloom of spring. A smell I wished to bottle up and bring home like a canned good. The peace this ideal moment brought to the chaos of my chest made me wonder why on earth I live in a bustling city instead of the countryside with babbling brooks and nary the sound of cars or sirens.
The gap between where I long to be and where I am stirs up winsome heartache. Causing me to fight for still, quiet moments when all my mind hears is noise, noise, noise. I must wrestle serenity into my soul and cling to it for dear life. This sweet serenity resembles a butterfly captured for its gorgeous wings, only to be frozen in death for the gaze of others. A grotesque beauty—made for our delight, but never for our dominance.
As I walk this mild trail listening to this babbling brook, I will savor what is mine to hold and release what is not. May my body remember this precious kind of peace. May it flow, flow, flow with me all the way back to gum-stained sidewalks and fluorescent lights.
Joy Bomb
I love music. My soul thrives on the sounds of a good beat and catchy lyrics. Music and dance are highly valued in my family. I can’t get through my work day without one of my playlists going. Most nights, my kids and I have a dance party to one of their favorite songs.
For this joy bomb, I’m sharing with you my (current) favorite tune:
Glimmers Everywhere by Lunar Vibes
Please share your favorite song or playlist! Music is joy that should be shared.
Thank you for taking the time to read my publication. The purpose of sharing these short stories and poems are to help keep myself, and hopefully others, in a place of awe. My writing will always be free to read, but if you would like to support this tired mom you can buy me a coffee.