courage and creativity

there are
those days



that regardless of the weather
quite possibly
because of the weather
you come to the
decision

yes!
let's go

sure
you're already succumbing
to the call
of hibernation
and it seems such an effort
to go out
in the evening
which is quickly balanced by
the knowledge
that the winter is oh so long
and you
go

to see

to hear

a beautiful woman

speak to a hall

packed with other women

and a few men

who have pulled themselves from

their respective couches

as well

to brave the weather

to leave feeling

renewed

inspired

to write

dance

sing

create

their hearts

joy

words and ideas

freely shared

without apology

authenticity has a way

of speaking to your heart

and you just know

you should take note

the only pad 

at my disposal

to review

reflect upon

relive

remember

a story shared about

finding joy

susan

a woman in her 40's 

who couldn't recall

the last time she felt it

then

she saw her 15 year old self

skating on ice

and was determined to 

reclaim that spirit on the surface

she had left years ago

finding a rink

making the time before work

making it happen

doing it

she humbly returned 

with

 gangly young girls around her

and there it was

right where she had left it

joy

now she continues

her gliding journey

this is where

the story 

ended

it's not about

achievements or awards

making the Olympic team

or other grand

destination

it brought her back

back

to her hearts

 song

finding it

singing it

dancing it

sewing it

drawing it

writing it

doing it

in spite of 

fear's voice

 telling you

not to

for every reason imaginable

because in that 

unknown place

where fear resides

joy is often

hiding

waiting to reveal itself.

reason to take

note

indeed!