Presence
When anguish cuts like steely blade,
Anxiety and pain invade.
Those days when life becomes intense,
I am grateful for your presence.
Let’s seek our solace in the skies:
Gold and crimson winter sunrise,
Full moon fades to halves and crescents.
I am grateful for your presence.
You shower me with faithful love,
The greatest gift from God above.
Blooming in your warm spring essence,
I am grateful for your presence.
When anguish cuts like steely blade
I am grateful for your presence.
Colleen Keller Breuning © 2021
December 11, 2021
This Kyrielle Sonnet was written for the Instagram group @hergrowthcollective. The topic for 12/9/21 is “Presence.” Presence is the state or fact of existing, occurring, or being present in a place or thing. It can be a person or thing that exists or is present in a place but is not seen.
For me, the reciprocal presence of loving, genuine people in my life is one of the greatest gifts. I have been so fortunate to be surrounded throughout my life with family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors who really do care. I would never be where I am today without them, and I can only hope that I have also touched them. I am extremely grateful that I have maintained rich relationships with them over the years.
These meaningful relationships go both ways. To some degree, I am present in their lives, and they are present in mine. It does not have to be a physical presence, but rather in my heart and my mind. My adult children and my grandchildren live in Florida, and I try my best to be as present in their lives as possible through texts, messages and FaceTime when I am not visiting. The greatest thrill is being able to see them in person once again. It is so healing to the heart and soul.
I don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but try to choose one word to abide by or strive for during the year. In 2021, it was “calm.” Sometimes I did not do very well with that word, due to anxiety and stress. There were a lot of life changes and travel, so it was a great focus word for this past year. Perhaps “presence” will be my word for 2022, as I strive to be more present in my loved ones’ lives, savor each moment, and learn to let go of worrying about the past and future. What will your word for 2022 be?
xoxo
Colleen
Mood: Grateful
Inspiration: “No Surprises” by Radiohead
Colleen Keller Breuning 