Writing

Connected

Posted by lenleatherwood on January 30, 2022January 30, 2022

In this moment

I am surrounded by people, birds, and animals

They smile at me from the mantle here in my living room

They tell me of life in other places and other times

Some are from Africa, from Native American tribes, from India

Their stances tell me their stories

Some war-like, some peaceful

One is an Innuit stone carving of a bird

A foot tall and heavy

The bird looks at me

“All is well,” it says. “Do not be afraid.”

I find comfort

Knowing an Innuit chose that stone

Chipped away the excess

Freed the bird inside

To offer calmness and peace

A gift that transcends time and space

Published by lenleatherwood

I am a native Texan who has lived for the past 27 years in Los Angeles. I am a published author of both short memoir and fiction, a Pushcart nominee, a nationally award-winning writing coach, an editor, as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. In addition, I am the mother of three grown daughters of whom I am extremely proud, a grandmother of three darling children and the wife of a man I still love after 41 years. View all posts by lenleatherwood

4 Comments Add yours

Kelly Wise says:

January 30, 2022 at 8:09 pm

I love how you said the bird was freed from inside the stone. I never imagined sculpture that way but it is so true that the subject is indeed freed. Nice.

Reply
1. lenleatherwood says:
  
  January 31, 2022 at 12:53 pm
  
  Thank you. I appreciate your specific feedback. That is most helpful.
  
  Reply
food4u2eat says:

January 31, 2022 at 9:52 am

Love it! Janice Keller Kvale, PhD, FACNM 4818 Berkman Drive Austin TX 78723 You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. C.S. Lewis

Reply
1. lenleatherwood says:
  
  January 31, 2022 at 12:53 pm
  
  Thank you, Janice.
  
  Reply