“Sometimes, the world feels like a symphony of dirges. The news cycle hums with chaos, personal struggles weigh heavy, and the ‘naysayers’ roar louder than ever. We’ve all stood at the edge of our own metaphorical seas, wondering if the flicker of hope on the candlestick of our life is worth guarding against the storm.
This is me reflecting on my poem, an ode to you, to me, to all of us, a poem I wrote November , 2022. Click here to read the poem.
The Poem’s Core is Darkness & Light Compared
The poem asks: “Was that you shutting out the faint light of hope?” It’s a question many of us grapple with. When pain numbs us, we might mistake survival for surrender—closing our eyes to the sun, silencing the music of resilience. But as the poem reminds us, hope isn’t a grand flame; it’s a stubborn flicker.
Is darkness attempting to overshadow the light of your soul? Here’s what the poem suggests: Acknowledge the darkness, but refuse to let it define your vision. Write down one small joy or goal that feels attainable this week—a walk, a phone call, a creative project. Tend to it like a candle in the wind.
The Storm and the Sea: Riding Life’s Waves
The poem’s stormy sea mirrors life’s unpredictability. “The sea, though stormy still, rocks my boat to sleep.” There’s a paradoxical comfort in accepting turbulence. Storms don’t last, but neither does stillness—and both can be teachers.
What to do during chaos? Practice “anchoring.” Identify a mantra, song, or memory that grounds you. When overwhelmed, return to it like the poem’s moon—a steady glow in the dark.
Twerking Palm Trees & Modern Hope
The poem’s quirky line—“palm trees twerk to cool & gentle breeze”—is a masterstroke. It blends whimsy with defiance, reminding us that hope doesn’t have to be solemn. Sometimes, it’s a silly dance, a meme, or a laugh shared with a friend.
So, while the storm rages on and the wind threaten the warmth of your flicker, invite playfulness into resilience. Your “twerking palm trees” maybe blasting music in traffic or doodling during meetings. Whatever it is, embrace it. Dance. Laugh. Joy is resistance. Feel it!
The Collective Flicker: “To All of Us”
The poem’s title, “Ode to You, to Me, to All of Us,” underscores a truth: Hope thrives in community. When one person’s light dims, others can reignite it. We’re all custodians of each other’s flames.
We are intertwined. Did you know? Sometimes, all we need during hard times, is some company. So learn to reach out, and let others reach in. Intentionally share a story of hope with someone (even a stranger). Why? Vulnerability breeds connection, and connection fuels resilience.
Closing Thought
The world may never run out of storms, but it will never run out of flickers either. Let us, this year, be candlesticks for one another—holding steady, burning bright, and dancing in the wind. Forward this to someone who needs a flicker today.
I’ll close with this line from the poem; ponder on it:
“Come, now, out of your shell of self-pity / & embrace this mesmerizing flicker of hope.”
