Read Poems by Susan Lawrence

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Cat's Cradle

Listening to the whispers of my soul
Allowing my heart to open
A deep inhale through my nose
Cool air surrounds me
A pause
A full exhale, letting my belly expand

Collective grief permeates the air
Multitudes of people crying silent tears
The masses wear cement backpacks
Their footsteps imprinting deep sorrow
Into the wailing land

I send my light out through my heart
I listen to their words
I create an arena of compassion
Allowing them time to tell of their woes

I gently grasp the hand of an old woman
Who graces my presence
I gaze deep into the grooves 
Covering the fabric of 
Her worn skin
Imagining the pathway and breath
Of her life’s journey

Hawks circle above in the white sky
Color feels like an ancient memory
Twisted molten steel haunts the landscape
High above on the uppermost branches 
Crows spy children gathering in the street

Caw   caw   caw   caw

The young ones congregate
A mish mash patchwork weaving together
Giggles, shouts, snickers and cheers
Streams of brightness radiate outward
Illuminating mischievous half smiles

Marbles, string, jacks, rocks and jump ropes
Make their way out as
Hopscotch, Double Dutch and Cat’s Cradle
Become the language shared

I hear escalating laughter
The Elders do as well
We move closer to feel 
The vibration and energy before us

Circles of color, sound and life envelope us
Simple pleasures are revealed
It’s easy - they say
Come join us 
Let us show you how
Let’s play

I take another deep breath
Inhaling gratitude as 
I fall into the embrace of what it means
To live in the moment
Basking in the sunlight

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Ann Peck Date: 5/11/2025 2:17:00 PM A beautiful, caring poem. there is so much sadness in this world. And yet, people still find a way to laugh among ruins. We are amazing creatures, and you are an amazing poet. love, Ann
Quoth Theraven Date: 5/3/2025 3:24:00 AM Susan, Yes, hands were made to reach out in arm's length of 'Marbles, string, jacks, rocks and jump ropes'., and the uncommon face that suddenly becomes somehow familiar in this fine write. -Richard
Gary Radice Date: 3/25/2025 11:16:00 PM "Twisted molten steel haunts the landscape.." The devestating LA fires and their aftermath..the twisted strings of a Cat's Cradle and the manipulation of the strings to make other shapes, ..rebuilding..the human resilience and sadness amid the devestation, nature's destruction and its fragile beauty..hope for the future...this reader got lost with his own thoughts inside your wonderful poem Susan. Cheers - Gary
Paul Callus Date: 3/4/2025 1:04:00 PM I enjoyed the 2 contrasting parts of this poem, Susan. The initial sense of loss and grief delivers a painful reminder of what to expect if we fail to change our ways. But not all is lost! Fortunately a better future is on offer thanks to the simplicity and innocence of children. ~ Warm regards & hugs my dear friend // paul
Brandy Nicole Date: 2/22/2025 7:35:00 PM ' I take another deep breath inhaling gratitude. ' At the end of the day, counting the blessings is very important. So much is happening around us, indeed. There's so much pain and sadness. Your thoughts touch my heart deeply. While we cannot change what has happened, we can make things better in many different ways. Sending love and light your way, Susan. Hugs, Brandy
Kim Rodrigues Date: 2/22/2025 5:43:00 PM Life seems to go hand in hand…collective grief, the old woman, the crows, the children…at last the children who live life and generate gratitude. Enjoyed, Susan!
Joe Dimino Date: 2/22/2025 4:47:00 PM "I send my light out through my heart I listen to their words I create an arena of compassion" -- A true Light bearer. Blessings. "I gaze deep into the grooves Covering the fabric of Her worn skin Imagining the pathway and breath" -- Wonderful poetic imagery. "I fall into the embrace of what it means To live in the moment Basking in the sunlight" -- Great ending! Wise and enlightening.
Susan Ashley Date: 2/22/2025 9:23:00 AM My dearest, Susan, soulful sister, the emotions and imageries of your meditative poem reach across lifetimes and universes. I was so struck by "Color feels like an ancient memory" - so profound in its feeling of loss. There is heavy sadness "masses wear cement backpacks" but there is bliss to be found in a heart that opens, in reconnection to your child-self in the 'moment of now' where spirits rise to remind you of how to "play" and reconnect with the lost self choosing to embrace joy. My spirit is refreshed reading your splendid poem, my sweet poet friend and time-traveler sister. Thank you for the creative beauty of your heart and verse. Warmest wishes and love sent on the flow of white wings.. ~Susan
Andrea Dietrich Date: 2/16/2025 11:50:00 AM This reads like another of your tributes to native Americans, of whom I know you are very fond. Always so joyful how you depict the children. Your experience so deeply impacted you.
Ann Peck Date: 2/15/2025 4:30:00 PM This is so lovely and full of compassion, Susan. So aware of the sadness that is everywhere. To live in the moment. I guess, would be best for now. And I love your title. Cat's cradle. I haven't heard that for a long time. Very appropriate.Take care, dear friend.
Victor Buhagiar Date: 2/13/2025 10:33:00 PM I love your poem. There are excellent phrases that dig deep in my soul. I love particularly : I create an arena of compassion Allowing them time to tell of their woes. Depth of emotion is your strength. We are surrounded with woes and have done nothing to create a joy the world needs so much. Your poem is a classic.
Valsa George Date: 2/12/2025 10:52:00 PM There is so much of stress and pain around us. Men and women stagger under the weight of sorrow. What we can do to alleviate their suffering is extending a helping hand, also opening our eyes to the cheerful scenes around. Little children who have no grave concerns about life as elders have, enjoy the random moments that fall before them by playing and enjoying in hilarious gaiety. Like them we too should learn to live in the moment." To live in the moment Basking in the sunlight" Beautiful poem dear Susan. So happy to see you after a long break.

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