Wounded

Graffiti

—Photo by D.R. Wagner, Elk Grove

HEALING WOUND

—David Iribarne

That night you scraped your knee

you ran to me ever so fast

I held you, tended to your wound

told you to “Grit your teeth.”

You clutched my arm tightly

it had been a while

since you clung to me.

“It’s ok, it’s ok,” I said.

You cough cried, closed your eyes tight.

I kissed your head softly

wet a cloth ever so lightly

dabbed it on your cut

and blew on it like

when you were little.

Your crying slowed

hugged me tightly

wiped your nose on my shirt,

I chuckled, you did too.

For once you were not

pulling away. I wrapped

my arms around you

not wanting to let go

fearing that if I did,

I would be cut.

You fell asleep in my arms that night

my worries begin to disappear.

The stars were unusually bright

your face radiated

I felt incredible.

I knew that night there was so much more

to being healed than just a scrape. 

________________________

WOUNDED ROAD


—David Iribarne, Sacramento

It is brittle, rough to touch
ran up and down the lines
mapped out the smooth spots.

Covered it up, hoping you would forget
bandaged up the sore spots.
You just pointed it out to me again and again.

Tried to divert your attention
but you removed the bandage
so it was all the more noticeable.

Tried to make it disappear
not think about it
not think about the scars, the sores
even after you left…they remain.

Maybe I didn’t use the right bandage
or use the right ointment
or clean the scar correctly.

Time heals all wounds
but does it allow us to forget?
how long before it fades?

We both had been waiting a long time to fall down
get up slowly, move on
dried our eyes
Walked with you a little longer
hoped mercy would follow us
and it did...pushing us in different directions.

_________________________

 

SILENT CHANGE

—David Iribarne

Held you as you slept

my fingers swimming through

your brown hair

wondered where your mind was running.

So quiet amongst your closed eyes

silent thoughts filled the air.

Understood that it was

time to move on

without words spoken

the feelings had changed.

Still wanted you there

wanted to be there for you.

Saw that love could be felt differently.

Still want to catch your heart

want to be able to captivate your mind

help you with your dreams

comfort your soul.

I am not going to leave you behind.

Watch you as you slept

so soundly, so peaceful

beautiful silence.

Funny, how the quiet

can open the door to so much change.

_________________________

STEPS OF FALLING
—David Iribarne

Leave behind your fears

it’s ok to scream

all right to fall down

let it be felt.

Scratch your skin

let there be pain

it needs to be released

you can be hurt.

In the end, darkness can be settling

it can make you stronger

pieces come apart

there are times we don’t know

that it's “ok.”

Go away with yourself

find what you have been searching for.

At this time, your head may be spinning

not knowing where to turn.

Tears may come fast

let them, don’t fight.

Sometimes our world breaks

needs to be put back together.

I will be there to help you

do not face it alone

let go, let go, let go

so you can learn how to hold on.

_______________________

FINDING GRACE
—David Iribarne

Part of you burst that night

Too much pressure caused

vessels to break.

You lie there on the bed

look at your sweet face

as you sleep

my thoughts begin to travel.

Think of the time we first met;

In a friendly, happy manner,

you extended your hand

thought you were the cutest thing

with your bubbly energetic personality.

Watched you that day as joyfully walked around.

You were so nice, courteous, and kind.

Cheerful, spunky, unusual you were.

Laughed at some of the funny,

innocent things you did.

Yes, they were sometimes plain right stupid

Unpredictable, ditzy, maybe even crazy

but you giggled at your mistakes

making me smile.

Your drive, passionate, stubborn

determined temperament amazed me.

Diversity showed through in rough terrain

Somehow through it all

You remained compassionate, patient, and understanding.

Beautifully vivaciously alert you were

you actively jumped from person to person

being a social butterfly and so damn likable.

Could see that you were unrefined and raw,

you were just a good soul.

You approached everyone gracefully

You never judged, carefully listened.

Exuberant, outgoing and yet tenacious

you promised you would do everything

you could if they asked.

A fair, honest leader you were

Helpful, hardworking advocate.

Your eyes began to flutter

ran my hands through

your brown streaky hair.

Slowly caressed you back to sleep.

Thought of how you innocently

flirted with people

you would lightly hit people

sheepishly grinning

like children would when they had a crush.

Sunny, jolly, and loving like

an excited cute little girl  

you zoomed about your day.

Solved problems in a sufficient, smart manner.

You enlightened me and everyone else

with your cool character.

Stared, began to cry, almost lost a dear friend.

People call on you and you pray for them.

You listen to them, and seek them

care with all your heart

You open your eyes and breathe deeply.

Extend my hand

softly kiss your forehead.

Now, it’s our turn to pray, seek you out

listen, advocate, care and love you

with all our hearts as you have for us.

 

_____________________ 

Today's LittleNip: 

Some birds are not meant to be caged, that's all. Their feathers are too bright, their songs too sweet and wild. So you let them go, or when you open the cage to feed them they somehow fly out past you. And the part of you that knows it was wrong to imprison them in the first place rejoices, but still, the place where you live is that much more drab and empty for their departure.

—Stephen King

____________________

—Medusa

 Graffiti

—Photo by D.R. Wagner