I have peddled my pain
to the wind
sifted and sorted my sins
burrowed down deep while
the storm passed
I am earth-toned and wild
nature’s own child
sun-smitten
star-bright and steadfast
made of blessings and blunders
I refuse to go under
this life was born of my rubble
I am not trouble
I am evergreen whispers
dewdrops at dawn
weaves of ivy out of control
sassy saplings, trees of old
I am whole
Originally written for “Women Speak”, a project by Nancy Smith. I was inspired by her beautiful painting, “From the Depths of Earth”. To see more of her work, visit
Join us for Open Link Night at dVerse Poets Pub! I am your host.
mishunderstood 
I like all the alliteration and these lines: “this life was born of my rubble
I am not trouble”
Thank you, Frank. I wasn’t sure of that one. Glad it worked for you.
The alliteration in this poem is astounding. And the rhymes: rubble/trouble. So many wonderful images in this as well, sassy saplings, evergreen whispers..
In whole a most satisfying read
Thanks, Toni. I really appreciate your comment. 🙂
I respect your introspection and tenacity. I, too, embraced /I refuse to go under, this life was born of my rubble/.
Tenacity…something I hold dear. Thank you!!
Wonderful use of rhyme and rhythm. The resilience of a woman is so admirable, while I always wish it wouldn’t be needed…
Thanks so much, Bjorn. I agree…it’s sad we have to be so strong sometimes.
I can see why you were inspired to write this poem, Mish – the painting is gorgeous and so is your poem. You’ve use alliteration so effectively in ‘peddled my pain / to the wind and ‘sifted and sorted my sins’, and I love the contrast of concrete description and the use of celestial sibilance in the lines:
‘I am earth-toned and wild
nature’s own child
sun-smitten
star-bright and steadfast’.
I feel as if I could reach out and touch those ‘weaves of ivy out of control / sassy saplings, trees of old’.
Aww thanks, Kim. 🙂
I like this one, Mish! Full of positive images.
Thanks, Jane. Imperfections and all….
🙂
The images are beautiful and uplifting.
These lines shine gold:
“life was born of my rubble
I am not trouble”
Excellent write.
Generous comment. Thanks, Charlie 🙂
You’re very welcome, Mish. 🙂
oh the alliteration is wonderful! Sassy sapling indeed 🙂
Thanks Lil…we have to hold on to “sassy” as long as we can. 😉
A beautiful write Mish, I especially love ‘I am earth-toned and wild
nature’s own child’ xxx
Thank you so much, Xenia. 🙂
What a truly beautiful piece of art and your words are amazing.
Thank you, Linda. Her work is phenomenal. I entered poems in response to various pieces of her artwork (Women Speak project). I was very fortunate to have 3 winning poems. This one was a finalist. 🙂
Wow!! Congratulations!
Thank you, Linda. 🙂
I hear the deep, wise woman emanating from this poem. Powerful juju!
OH Jade! What a wonderful comment. Thank you.
You are very welcome, Mish, it was a pleasure to read.
This is absolutely gorgeous writing, Mish! ❤️ Especially love this particular bit; “I am evergreen whispers dewdrops at dawn.” 😀
Thanks, Sanaa. 🙂
so exceptional
Thank you very much, Larry.
I felt this was Mother Nature herself speaking, always there, always returning. Lovely stuff.
Hmm…it could be that as well. The reader rules.
I like the alliteration, and the message of the strength and resilience of women. Your poem works beautifully with the painting.
Thank you, Merril. We really do become resilient….lots to make us that way.
I love this!
Thank you, Ayala. 🙂
This line really speaks to me, certainly life is filled with the art of trials and tribulation.
“made of blessings and blunders”
I’ve made a few blunders in my life
I’m glad it resonated, Truedessa. Yes, we have to accept our blunders and move forward.
I love “weaves of ivy out of control.”
Thanks, Nan. We have to have a bit of that!
Very nicely done! Not ready to go under…. I like that!
Thank you, Dwight. Glad you liked it.
“I am whole” — how perfect is that. Lovely.
🙂 Thanks, Misky.
Love these lines:
made of blessings and blunders
…
I am evergreen whispers
–beautiful piece!
Thank you, Crystal. 🙂
lovely piece to go along with a simply beautiful painting! Love the mixture of true and slant rhyme.
Hi Bryan! Thank you. So nice to see you drop in. Yes, Nancy Smith’s work is incredible.
I’ve had a far-too-long hiatus from writing poetry. Want to get back into it, but seem to be struggling with finding my muse again
This is truly beautiful Mish!
Thank you, Rob. 🙂
Lovely, These are the lines that spoke to me most,
“made of blessings and blunders
I refuse to go under
this life was born of my rubble
I am not trouble”
Truth be told beautifully.
So funny those lines seem to resonate with many….I was leery of them when I wrote it. Thank you!!
Art is ever inspiring. I love the lilt of your lines, the message of empowerment and reclamation.
What a majestic write! The alliteration, rhyme scheme, repetition of “I am” to accentuate the narrator’s voice, the imagery and metaphors. A masterpiece, Mish! 🙂
A beautiful connection to nature and its nourishment. (K)