Category Archives: Life Lessons

July 13, 2016

Never Forget – A Trio of Cinquains

By Kat Myrman

Le Somnambule by Marc Chagall

A storm
called Katrina
swallowed The Big Easy
abandoned, desperation in
whirlwind

poison,
death infested,
crested, licking the walls
relentless, inescapable
slurry

beings
young and not so
took to the muck alone
it was every soul for themselves
human.

kat ~ 13 July 2016

A Cinquain written for Jane Dougherty’s Poetry Challenge based on the painting Le Somnambule (Sleep Walker) by Marc Chagall. When I saw this painting I immediately thought about Hurricane Katrina. This painting represents to me the desperation of the people caught in the storm’s swell and the tragedy of having to leave their beloved pets behind…and the tragedy of our government at the time looking away while the world watched in horror. It was the cat really, who took me there…looking away from the window as if she knew. I used a string of three Cinquains to tell the story. Some things are etched in our memories…for a reason. That we never forget…that we remember so we may avoid repeating the sins of our past. Peace all!

20 Comments | tags: Challenge, Cinquain, desperation, Jane Dougherty's Poetry Challenge, Katrina, Poetry, sleepwalker | posted in Challenges and Writing Prompts, Cinquain, Life Lessons, Poetry, Random Thoughts and Musings, Social Issues

July 10, 2016

Shi Sai Sunday’s Week in ReVerse ~ 10 July 2016

By Kat Myrman

I look forward to Sundays. I truly do try to pause, reflect and recharge. Especially on weeks like this when the world felt chaotic and nightmarish. I remember thinking to myself, as I wrote lines of poetry and prose throughout the week, that today’s ReVerse would likely evolve into a chaotic, incohesive jumble of randomness. Living through this past week was a chaotic mess with raging summer storms that sent us all seeking shelter and raging civil unrest against a backdrop of political firestorms that sent us seeking answers.

In retrospect, I wonder why I had a hard time imagining that this week’s Shi Sai would somehow make sense, because surprisingly it does. I don’t know how or why it does. But it does.

I could say, likevi always do, that I’m hoping we all have a great week, but that would be rude considering the elephant in my peripheral view. They say elephants never forget. Not forgetting for me means acknowledging the elephant. It’s not that I’m not hoping that you have a great week. I hope you have a spectacular week. I hope we all do. Including the elephant. Once he catches your attention he’s hard to ignore.

Shi Sai Sunday’s Week in ReVerse ~ 10 July 2016

Forgive me for not giving you a proper goodbye
I am feeling slightly grounded right now and not in a good way
steamy sapphire sky
So…what do you think about all this rain we’ve been having?
tender waves, exquisite bliss
dreams flood the gray void
from endless nights of terror’s rage
What are you thinking Lady Blue?
they are afraid
desire growls in their belly like poison
hoping for love’s bliss!

~ kat

The Shi Sai, (formerly known as a ReVerse) is a form created by Kat Myrman in April 2016. It is a poem created by taking one line of verse from several poems of an author’s own collection. The shi sai is done as a review of a series or collection of poems and therefore, each line should flow in chronological order of the dates the poems were written (from oldest to new). The lines chosen should be the author’s favorite from each poem. This form works best if the author resists the temptation to read the full new poem before all the verses have been added. (It helps one to resist the impulse to change a line to make it “fit”)

7 Comments | tags: chaiis, elephant, hope, Remember, Shi Sai, week in Reverse | posted in Challenges and Writing Prompts, Digital Art & Photos, Essays, Life Lessons, Poetry, Random Thoughts and Musings, Social Issues, Spirituality, Week in Review

July 4, 2016

Hello Snail, Fancy Meeting You Here!

By Kat Myrman

Hello there Mr…er…Ms Snail. Actually snails are both…hermaphrodites that is. How cool is that? And they are quite self sufficient, carrying their homes with them wherever they go.

I did a bit of research on my little visitor this evening. When a Snail shows up, it’s a reminder to be patient. Check!

They might also show up when things are moving too fast. Check that!

It also may indicate that things are a bit stagnant. Okay okay I’m listening!

A Snail is associated with the moon and connects earth and water elements. Mmmm…Elementally speaking, for this air (Gemini)/water (Pisces) with water (Cancer) rising girl (me)…I get this too. I am feeling slightly grounded right now and not in a good way.

Did you happen to notice the baby snail tagging a ride on the bigger one? This sparks a bit of hope in me!

I think there is a final message for me on this misty Independence Day from my friend the snail and her tiny sidekick.

Don’t lose hope. Slow down, be patient…You’re not there yet, but you’re sure to get there ( yes, I do have a few goals in mind…😊). Pay attention. You might be overlooking the obvious. And finally, steady and slow is the key.

Check, check and check.

Thanks for the chat my friend. I’m glad you stopped by when you did!

~kat – 4 July 2016

Do creatures ever surprise you, showing up in close proximity begging your attention? It’s not necessarily a random thing. The ancient and tribal civilizations found great truth and meaning in nature. If an animal or creature crosses your path, pause to consider what they’re saying to you! You might be surprised.

8 Comments | tags: essay, life lessons, snail wisdom | posted in Digital Art & Photos, Essays, Life Lessons, Random Thoughts and Musings, Spirituality

July 3, 2016

Shi Sai Sunday’s Week in ReVerse – 3 July 2016

By Kat Myrman

Its Independence Day’s Eve here in the US. When we are young being independent is our ultimate goal. Some of us start very early on our path to independence with our first words, “me do it!” How satisfying it is to accomplish things all by ourselves…when we are young.

But a lifetime has taught me that even though I am quite capable of doing for myself, thank you very much, there is something to be said for having a bit of company on the journey. It’s ironic I think. We are born with a fierce instinct for independence only to realize after a lifetime of surviving that we are inescapably bound to one another. For better or for worse.

How freeing it is to admit that I need you…collectively, globally, individually. Independence is not all it was cracked up to be. But I suppose I had to live it to realize it. And realizing it is like coming home. 🙂

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This week’s Shi Sai is a bit odd. I suppose there are times when things are simply not meant to make sense. Like this past week actually…so much if it didn’t make sense.

At any rate, happy Independence Day and all that jazz. As for me? I still have a few of those cookies left from last weekend. Care to join me?

Shi Sai Sunday’s Week in ReVerse – 3 July 2016

I don’t have sweets around…
Hope’s gleaming promise…

Prayers for Instanbul

In the summer heat
when you can’t hear the music
It wasn’t enough…is it ever?
They’ll journey from the safety of the shore
Oft’ forgetting why

Earth bleeds crimson

Embodying all I am
It was just a stupid accident…or was it?
~ kat