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Best Poems Written by Kate Collinger

Below are the all-time best Kate Collinger poems as chosen by PoetrySoup members

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Details | Kate Collinger Poem

The Shadow and The Light

When we were young, your shadow took the form of a little girl 

A little sister to an older brother 

That ruled the world 

A shadow that endlessly followed you around 

Who thought her sibling didn’t touch the ground

Your shadow never left you alone

But she always made sure you felt at home 



Home became a different word

As we got older

We were partners in crime that lost a mother 

But we loved each other through our pain like none other



Sometimes you were more than annoyed

Sometimes your shadow didn’t let the boys be boys

But you always made sure to come back around 

Enduring tickle torture fights with mom on the ground 



As we aged and time flew by

(Even through the distance)

Your shadow stayed by your side

Fiercely admiring her brother’s courage 

Vulnerability and strength

He never backed down and went to any length 

To teach the shadow to face her darkness

And bring her back to light

As he led the way, she followed

And she fought with all her might



He taught her to pick herself up and brush off the dust

He taught her to take accountability for her choices - this was a must

He taught his shadow to stop trailing him behind

He taught his shadow to trust her heart and her mind



You see, there’s always a reason for the shadow  

The darkness needs a source

You have always been the leader, the pioneer, and the force



You have shared your light with countless others

Spreading joy just like your mother 

You’ve spent your life bringing those together 

With selfless love

You have been the tether

Between you and your shadow

Who will always be by your side

Inspired by a brother who never thought to hide



So, even if you are on your ninth life

I would have followed you through every one

Because you shine brighter than the sun 

In case you take a different form next time around

I know that every shadow needs light to be found 

Copyright © Kate Collinger | Year Posted 2024



Details | Kate Collinger Poem

My Darling

My Darling….

I once thought love was like a fairy tale

It was pumpkin carriages, castles, and prince charming
But love is waking up to a simple, "Hello, my darling"

I once thought love was like the first date 

It was the nervous laughter and a kiss goodnight
But love is the next morning as the darkness gives way to light

I once thought love was like a rollercoaster waiting for the fall

And while love is a wild ride, it's in the quiet moments
Significant and small

I once thought love was more like the wedding and the vows

But love is more in the space in between
It's in the here and now

I once thought love was untamed and unyielding 
It was sacrifice
But love is not that feeling

Love is the subtle compromise 
Love is the truth amid a world full of lies

Love is in the quiet that you find all the power
Love is brave and it never cowers

You taught me that love is not conceited
It's humble and subtle and will never be defeated
It's the kind of love that we made our own 
It's the everlasting love where we'll never again be alone

This love is learning from each other every day
It's a lesson that always teaches 
Come what may

This love is partnership with my best friend
This love is the beginning and this love is the end 

Through every misstep and preconceived notion
Once standing at the shores of love
Let's jump into this endless ocean

Hold my hand as we conquer the waves
The rise and fall, ebb and flow
With you next to me, I'll always feel safe

Lean into love and we'll never be apart
For in this moment, I give you my heart

I can't promise you I'll never dream
Of rollercoasters and the walk down the aisle
And although it took me a while to get here
I would have walked a million miles

I can't promise you perfection 
But that's the beauty of it all
Our love is cracked and bruised, worn and tattered
And maybe even scarred 

Our love is a symbol of our strength and resiliency
If this is love, then I give it every piece of me

If this is love, then I don't want the fairy tale or prince charming
If this is love, then marry me
"I love you, my darling"

Copyright © Kate Collinger | Year Posted 2024


Book: Reflection on the Important Things