milk and honey

The other day I had the pleasure of reading a book of poetry for the first time in well over a decade. I used to adore poetry, especially when I was in high school and would spend hours floating away on the rhythms and imagery. Part of coming into balance is letting go of things that are no longer helpful or beneficial, the corollary is rekindling passions that slipped away thoughtlessly.

I was unable to directly connect with the suffering Rupi Kaur evokes in milk and honey, as my own experiences are clearly very far removed from hers. I was, however, struck by her ability to spin pain into beauty. This poem did resonate deeply with me, though:

i don't know what living a balanced life feels like 
when i am sad 
i don't cry i pour 
when i am happy 
i don't smile i glow 
when i am angry 
i don't yell i burn

the good thing about feeling in extremes is
when i love i give them wings
but perhaps that isn't
such a good thing cause
they always tend to leave
and you should see me
when my heart is broken
i don't grieve
i shatter