sadness – Colleen Keller Breuning

Washed Away

Washed Away

There is no calm
after the storm.
Waters recede,
the sun shines warm.

Foreboding clouds
have left the sky.
There are no tears
left here to cry.

All that we knew
was washed away.
Our rainbow hues
muddled to gray.

A sense of doom
at damage done.
Picking up pieces
we carry on…

Yes, we are alive
and we shall survive…

We shall survive.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2022
October 1, 2022

It has truly been a week of introspection and tears. First and foremost, we watched the horrors of Hurricane Ian’s devastation, saddened for all of those affected by this monstrous hurricane. Seeing the images of the flood waters and winds destroying the beautiful southwest coastal towns of Florida was like a dagger to the heart. I cried at seeing the destruction of some of our favorite vacation places: Naples, Ft. Myers, Sanibel, Captiva Island… so many amazing memories made there! My heart is broken, as some lost everything, including their lives.

We are just so incredibly sad to see this happening. It will take many, many years (if ever) to rebuild. But I know how strong and determined Floridians are, having lived there for 24 years. Neighbors help neighbors during tough times! Still, it pains us to see these wonderful people suffering through these hurricanes. It was one of the main reasons we left, as it is a very stressful and exhausting experience to prepare for, weather and recover from a very destructive hurricane. I send prayers to all affected by this horrendous natural disaster, may you find strength to endure and may you recover power, your homes and be safe!

On a personal note, it was a very difficult week for me. Our well pump decided to break last weekend, at the most inopportune time…. right before my gall bladder surgery! That meant… no running water!! Our kind neighbors offered their shower to us for several days, which was a godsend. (Thank you for your kindness, Nikki and Jason!) The morning of the surgery, Dan dropped me off at the hospital and returned to the house to meet the well company. Our well is 1,000 feet deep, and they had to bring a huge crane into our septic fields without harming it. It took all day to pull up the destroyed pump and replace it. Then the next day the company came back to fix our filtration system, which also wasn’t functioning properly.

I am grateful the surgery went smoothly, and I am so thrilled to have running water again (with good pressure)! I am still recovering and trying to figure out what I can and cannot eat, which has not been fun…because I love to eat! Also I don’t like being physically restricted, and can’t wait to get back to my running and exercise regimen. I’ve been a little out of sorts this weekend as a result of everything. But feeling sorry for myself doesn’t cut it when there are other people suffering greatly in the world. So I’m writing to SNAP myself out of it. Sending good thoughts and prayers to everyone who needs it!

xoxo
Colleen

Inspiration: Enya
Mood: Sad

Gentle Rain

Gentle Rain

Listen to your heart beat softly
as summer burns in effigy
restless crickets voice sad disdain
to the rhythm of gentle rain.

Piercing cerulean sky yields
to the soft bloom of cotton fields
nimbus clouds releasing their pain
to the rhythm of gentle rain.

Peace beckons where green river flows
night falls in shades of indigo
mourning dove grieves in dark refrain
to the rhythm of gentle rain.

Listen to your heart beat softly
to the rhythm of gentle rain.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2015
December 8, 2015

Summer’s End

Summers Endjpg

Summer’s End

The destination of my dreams
is not as distant as it seems.
Watch the fading summer sun start
the liquefaction of my heart.

While eagles soar with high esteem,
the destination of my dreams
is painted in the sky’s blue fields,
where hope abides and sorrow yields.

As raging seas soon turn to glass,
the pangs of your sadness will pass.
The destination of my dreams
infuses my last breath, it seems.

Shut softly your watery eyes,
no time for tears or mournful cries.
I’m free to ride the gold moonbeams,
the destination of my dreams.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2015
July 15, 2015

Into the Sun’s Embrace

One life lived in limbo,
teetering on the brink.
You swim against strong currents
as all hope begins to sink.

Stripped of all belongings
and rendered colorblind;
Restless nights and wasted time,
the past has been unkind.

You stand alone in judgment
and utter truthful words.
They echo in the brittle air
like a distant crying bird.

As I bow my head to pray,
maternal instincts swell.
If only I could scoop you up
and save you from this hell…

Open up your broken heart,
shed your fears, atone.
Feel the warmth inside you,
know that you are not alone.

With the golden dawn comes hope,
the promise of something new.
Step into the sun’s embrace,
where a new day waits for you.

Colleen M. Breuning © 2012
March 27, 2012

Shadows of My Father ~ The Poem and The Book

somfthumbnail1 — "Shadows of My Father" by Colleen Keller Breuning © 2011

Shadows of My Father

As a child, I walked through the park
hand in hand with my father.
Brimming with energy and innocence,
I played a game of hide and seek,
jumping into his enormous shadow.
My elfin figure was gobbled up
by his lumbering adumbration,
stretching long across the path
illuminated by the springtime sun.

Young and stupid in love,
I felt as if my father’s shadow
was falling over me, somehow
supplanted in my subconscious.
Though I could not see it,
I could feel his image lingering,
cutting through the darkness,
watching me as I made mistakes
from which he could not protect me.

I could sense his shadow slipping
away that New Year’s Day,
battle weary from the fight of his life.
With a weak smile on his face,
my father gazed at me
from his hospital bed.
I knew from the far away look
in his soft hazel eyes
that I was saying goodbye.

Now as I walk alone
with the sun on my back,
my own blackened silhouette
extends before me.
There are no huge hands to hold,
no large shadows to jump into.
But my soul is at peace,
and I smile, knowing that I carry
his shadow inside of mine.

This poem was the one that inspired me to do a tribute book of poetry to my father. Though the book contains many poems about experiences with my father, there are other subjects covered in the work presented within. I want to thank my family, friends and network of fellow writers who have shown great support, not only by purchasing the book, but in giving me such positive feedback throughout this process. I love you all!

Published in “Shadows of My Father”
Available now on Amazon:

https://www.createspace.com/3556166

Survivor

Blogophilia 4.4 Topic: “This Has Been a Public Service Announcement”

Bonus Points:

(Hard, 2pts): Name three bands from the 1980s
(Easy, 1pt): include the words “take what you can… give nothing back!”

Final date to post: March 29th, 2011 GMT midnight

Final date to post ALL GUESSES: March 26th, 2011 GMT midnight

80s bands used:
Ambrosia, KISS, After the Fire, Poison, Heart, Yes, Tears for Fears, Simple Minds, Genesis, Journey, Survivor

SONY DSC — "Boulder Ablaze" by Kkart-d2y7uog @ DeviantArt (c) 2011

Survivor

It tasted sweet as ambrosia,
that long ago dangerous kiss
one spark of passion
flaming into a wildfire
that ravaged me, consumed me,
raging anger in the night,
the white heat of new star.
After the fire ran its course,
there was nothing left but
spent kindling, smoke and ashes.

I drank from your cup of poison,
I fell for your charms…
seduction then slaughter.
Take what you can…give nothing back
was your motto.
You left my psyche battered,
brow beaten and bruised,
scar upon scar,
a heart turned to stone.

Yes, I pushed aside my needs,
sacrificed my dignity,
trading torrents of tears for fears
hanging tight for dear life,
unable to surrender control,
such a simple concept
that simple minds like mine
could not grasp.

Scared and shivering,
on the brink of demise,
a beam of light shone upon me
through a crack in the window
and I thought I heard a voice
beckoning me towards change.
A warmth flooded my veins,
and an awakening began…
a genesis of sorts.

Brick by brick,
stone by stone
I cobbled together a purpose,
bridged my past to my future,
guided by the sun over my shoulders.
I took the fork in the road
and righted my journey in life,
a delicate pink calla lily
blooming in autumn,
a survivor against all odds.

No, I don’t need you anymore…
I don’t want you anymore…
So stay the hell out of my life.
This has been a public service announcement.
Govern yourself accordingly.

SECRET BONUS POINT GUESSES:

Tattoo you, runner’s high, tribal dance, dancing with the stars, hieroglyphics, run for fun, jazzercize, fleet feet, race to the finish, urn, black beauties, the ides of march, vase, pottery, that’s all I got tonight!

Lifeline

Lifeline

The veil of sadness
fell down upon me,
invoking dark shadows
and shades of melancholy.

Crimson tears trickle,
scarring and burning.
The world tilts and spins,
the pages of life keep turning.

The mind grows weary,
witness to brutal violence.
It longs for quiet sanctuary,
seeking justice and penance.

The lifeline has been cast out
into the sea of great sorrow.
Just hold on tight to the rope,
Until the sun rises tomorrow.