Christmas at Midlife by Mary Anne Perrone
“I am no longer waiting for a special occasion; I burn the best candles on ordinary days.
I am no longer waiting for the house to be clean; I fill it with people who understand that even dust is Sacred.
I am no longer waiting for everyone to understand me; It’s just not their task.
I am no longer waiting for the perfect children; my children have their own names that burn as brightly as any star.
I am no longer waiting for the other shoe to drop; It already did, and I survived.
I am no longer waiting for the time to be right; the time is always now.
I am no longer waiting for the mate who will complete me; I am grateful to be so warmly, tenderly held.
I am no longer waiting for a quiet moment; my heart can be stilled whenever it is called.
I am no longer waiting for the world to be at peace; I unclench my grasp and breathe peace in and out.
I am no longer waiting to do something great; being awake to carry my grain of sand is enough.
I am no longer waiting to be recognized; I know that I dance in a holy circle.
I am no longer waiting for Forgiveness. I believe, I Believe.”
I have held this sacred time in myriad moments of gratitude and wonder, mountains and big sky Wonder. Sweet and quiet, gifts of time and attention, and presents that took love and intention to choose. Softly falling snow, the tall pines, fir and larch dressed in white lace, sparkling fires in the hearth, stockings hung, glowing trees in the forest with colorful lights for only us to see. A dog to love us, brothers and sisters to call in, a matriarch to care for. These small treasures have proved nourishing and heart warming.
In gratitude and wonder, and with love, Merry Christmas 2019!
Your words are all I’ve “felt” in my heart- but you wrote the words that now I SEE, & it fills my heart with joy ..and I smile…i hear your soul…..
in 2019 I found this poem, maybe on Facebook and I used it as a prompt for my students in a writing class. The writing that came from it was powerful. I have held the piece in my heart for years.
Now I am writing a book of prompts from those I have used over my 35 year teaching career and it came back to me. I would like to use it in my book. I will credit you and the collection you took it from.
I still don’t have a handle on the book. It will definitely be a collection of prompts. It will also be reflections over a life of using prompts to enter into the page and my heart. I also hope it will be a bibliography of writers and wise people who have given me the wings to my writing. Please let me know if I have your permission to use your words. Thanks VickiP
Vicki, I loved these words from “Christmas in Midlife” by Mary Anne Perrone too! They moved me when I first found them and savored them and they continue to resonate. I love that you’re doing a book of prompts! Please keep me in the loop as I will definitely purchase it – such a lovely idea that will conjure up all kinds of creativity. I can’t speak for Mary Anne Perrone of course, but you certainly have permission to use my words that are on that post of “Christmas in Midlife” under hers. My words are always in plain font with no italics to designate a quote. All quotes from someone else are designated as such. Best of luck on your project and hope to see you here again soon! Joyce (Joyce Walkup)