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Paper Heart Mirror

"The beauty you see in me --is a reflection of you" :-) I want you to cut out a paper heart, of any hue Doesn't matter if you're a kid, or went to NYU This experiment doesn't use markers, glitter, nor glue Doesn't need perfect proportions -- it's fine if it's askew Now, go ahead and crumple it into a ball (just do!) Next, please open up and smooth out the paper, through and through Iron it, flatten in a book -- but whatever you do There will be many remaining creases within your view These symbolize harmful words' memories -- even if true All the mean, blunt, biting thoughts folks wish someone else knew Our rash impulse to hurt peoples' feelings -- we should subdue The philosophy "hello human kindness!" -- let's renew Our own hearts are like a mirror showing how others feel, too [Sunday, April 28, 2024. Inspired by reading "Paper Heart" by Cat Patrick; adapted to fit the "Mirror Poetry Contest" by Sara Kendrick; deadline 6/8/24]

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Sara Kendrick

Date: 5/2/2024 1:28:00 PM

I like the creativeness of this one and for giving credit to the person who came up with the idea about cutting out a heart and crumpling it. Congratulations to on your placement. Way to go. Sara K

Michelle Smith
Date: 5/2/2024 3:42:00 PM

Thanks Sara. :) I had been hoping for the muse to hit with sharing about paper heart in some way, and this was it. :D Yeah I always try to give credit where credit is due. Thanks!

Daniel Henry Rodgers

Date: 4/29/2024 7:43:00 AM

Dear Michelle, What a beautiful reminder of the interconnectedness of our hearts and the impact of our words on others. It's a call to kindness, urging us to smooth out the creases of hurtful words and embrace empathy and compassion. Your words are echoing the importance of nurturing human kindness in our interactions. It is a wonderful, heartfelt reflection on the power of positivity and understanding. - Blessings, Daniel

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 4/30/2024 7:26:00 AM

Hello Michelle, I do some variations to this project, but I have not done this one before, and I am going to do it with some of my clients. Thank you so much for your suggestions. - Blessings, my friend, Daniel

Michelle Smith
Date: 4/29/2024 3:56:00 PM

p.s. did you try the art project side of it, literally "following the directions" to cut out the heart, crumple it up, try to smooth it out, then meditate on the analogy of what the creases mean to your heart? It's very moving when we literally take part... it could be a type of healing activity for a counseling session. :D So far I've passed on the creased paper heart (with the book quote in their case, not my poem, because they saw me reading the book one day). And I kept another creased paper heart in my art supply drawer (one that had torn so I didn't pass that on, but it's good enough for me). p.s. this comment exceeds their characters limit, but I found a way to beat the system: copy the last half, then erase that so only the first half shows up, click "submit" so they accept it as short enough... then!: click "edit" and copy-paste the next half back in... click "update" and voila, they allow it ALL! :O

Michelle Smith
Date: 4/29/2024 8:32:00 AM

Thank you Daniel Henry Rodgers! :) I'm going to go check out your poems, since you're a fan of human kindness :D