Boundless Expanse

Boundless Expanse

It takes some work to uncover your fathoms,
especially if they’ve been ensconced for long.
There may be layers that are confusing
or weigh a great deal.
You may not always recognize the fabric
of the coverings
as opportunities to lift them appear.
But lift them you should.
Carefully, tenderly raise them
when you are ready.
The setting aside is not always predictable.
You might need to spread the material out
so you can take a closer look.
Or maybe you’ll need to gently fold it
as you reminisce,
continue to assimilate.
Some layers should be shared
with a trusted confidante
so you can further process their effects.
And then there are those pieces
you’ll need to fling aside,
perhaps even rip them to shreds,
let them scatter
in the winds of change.
But the insights that come from your efforts
are most definitely miraculous.
Along the way you will gradually
see, hear, feel things more purely
 and enjoy being uniquely you.
The spiky intricacies
of whatever your dark times include
will either disperse or
peacefully coexist with the glory
of the boundless expanse that contains
wonder, truth, communion
and Love.

Sarah Carlson

September 25, 2018

Marvel With Me

Me with my big brother, Geof, at the gray camp - Snow Pond, Maine... circa 1958

Marvel With Me

Dear Geof,
I wish I could talk with you
about so many things
that have been on my mind lately.
You are the only one
who shared tender,
 sometimes tremulous,
childhood years with me.
It’s been so long
since we sat in the garden

as young adults
marveling at our spouses,
our little ones.
That was the last day,

me just turned 30

and you 33.
Hmm, I just realized
that we didn’t actually
talk much right then.
But in those moments
our energies merged
and we were content.
You used to insist that
the things that were broken
were not mine to fix.
I don’t know how you knew that
at such a young age,
but you were right.
It feels so very good to
more and more let go of
that assumed responsibility.
As I do
my whole being loosens
and I can recall
joyful memories like
 having a big brother
marvel with me.

Love, Sarah

September 16, 2018

Allow

Clearwater Lake - photo by Mardy Bogar

Allow

Some clouds are stormy,
some benign,
some hard to read.
And yet the sun has the potential
to illuminate the edges
of them all,
given the right conditions.
Just as our nearest star
facilitates the splendor
of silver linings,
so can we humans permit our
inner brilliance to radiate
 from behind whatever
barricades may be in place.
We all want to,
though the desire may be
somewhat sequestered.
No matter what fronts
have blown through,
our own exquisite uniqueness
is there nestled within,
ours to share when
we feel secure and right.
And that we should -
both feel safe
and allow.
The sun doesn’t hesitate.
Why should we?

Sarah Carlson

September 11, 2018