"Human, " Erin Hanson

Erin Hanson (e.h.)

"Ask the people..."

Queen Silvy

"Seize upon that moment long ago
One breath away and there you will be
So young and carefree
Again you will see that place in time, so gold...,"

"Stay Gold,"

Stevie Wonder

The motivating/inspiring words I would like to share with our youth during these stressful and challenging times is to remember that no one is alone.    Sadly the tragedy of our educational system is that we do not address the needs of all students.  As a result, it’s extremely important to ask for help when we’re struggling to cope whether academically, emotionally, physically, and/or mentally.  

As students and beyond, each and every one of us is entitled by law to receive assistance we might need to better ensure our well-being when suffering from any type of disability and/or distress, for example.  Unfortunately, many of us are too afraid, embarrassed, and ashamed to ask for help due the risk of being stigmatized and stereotyped.  

Or worse, we simply do not know these programs exist to serve and protect us.  Rather than addressing these and other needs in our youth when we have the best opportunity, as adults we are still struggling—potentials never reached; dreams never realized.

In order to better cope, I would suggest starting with the expertise of the school guidance counselor, trained to listen to understand and address a variety of debilitating issues.    Undiagnosed learning and emotional disabilities can be managed through appropriate modifications that must be maintained not only in public school but also in college as well as employment under the Americans With Disabilities Act.   There is no shame in receiving the help to which we all are entitled.  The real loss is not seeking it.

Always remember, this is YOUR time.  You will NEVER have this moment again. Embrace your youth.   Never lose your childlike sense of wonder because you’re being put into an unfair and sometimes abusive position of growing up too fast. Find the courage to say, “No,” rather than allow others to manipulate you for their own gain without considering your best interests and feelings.    

Celebrate your innocence. Speak your piece LOUDLY. Become an activist and advocate for other young people as well as yourself.  Get involved in groups and activities, feeding your soul. Take advantage of all opportunities to live and learn.

Most of all “stay gold” in spite of all obstacles and hardships you might face now and over a lifetime.   Marvel at our collective humanity—what is good, kind, and just as well as what is not. Learn from your failures and successes-- your gains and losses.  With all the highs and lows life has to offer, take a moment to enjoy your unique journey.  Although never alone be confident in the knowledge that you will always be enough.

The Outsiders-

"Stay Gold,"

Stevie Wonder

Poetry In Motion, Portland Oregon

"I Confess"

I stalked her
in the grocery store: her crown
of snowy braids held in place by a great silver clip,
her erect bearing, radiating tenderness,
the way she placed yogurt and avocadoes in her basket,
beaming peace like the North Star.
I wanted to ask “What aisle did you find
your serenity in, do you know
how to be married for fifty years, or how to live alone,
excuse me for interrupting, but you seem to possess
some knowledge that makes the earth burn and turn on its axis—”
but we don’t request such things from strangers
nowadays. So I said, “I love your hair.”-
Alice Luterman

*This poem was selected as the winner of the Oil of Olay "Fine Lines" competition. It was also displayed on transit buses in Portland, Oregon, as part of that city’s "Poetry in Motion" program.

On the 67th anniversary of your birth...

To My Sweet George--
Husband,
Partner,

Soulmate, 
Lover, 
And the best friend 

I ever had.

I celebrate this day

I celebrate your life

I celebrate your journey.

And with the utmost gratitude, 

I celebrate the kindness

That you were and

Will always be.

Rest easy,  my love...

Donna

Walking through puddles

I would have walked barefoot

Through miles and miles 

Of muddy waters

To be with all of you.

Until I realized

You only wanted 

A "side piece" of me.

"I have crossed oceans of time to find you," 

Bram Stoker, Dracula.

Sightings

I catch glimpses of her in death-

Her semblance all around me. 

In life, I never saw her at all.

Brilliant, blinding 

In Light and Shadow

Still she remains 

A mystery.

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: 

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever, 23:6,

A Psalm of David .

The Prompt

Hearth embers smolder

As we lie in

Each other's arms

Saving the world while

Sipping Crown Royal

Smooth, Succulent:

Shameless.

Casualties of dueling tragedies

Not of our making

Ravaged by

"Cuts most unkind"*

Unrequited, we remain

Lost in the shadows of

Our darkest dreams.

*"The most unkindest cut of all," William Shakespeare