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BIRD OF PROMISE

The Sicilian Storyteller

Along with a group of about 100, I can proudly say I am a #1 bestselling author! We made it to #1 on Amazon!!

When I was first approached by Gabriela Marie Milton to contribute two poems to “Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women“, I was somewhat taken aback. “I’m a storyteller, not a poet” I said to myself. Although I have written a few poems, poetry is not my wheelhouse and I was reluctant to accept Gabriela’s offer. However, after learning what this anthology was about, I realized I could not refuse. I put pen to paper and imagined I was Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

To my amazement both my poems were accepted and now I can add poet to my resume! This has been a unique experience – both profoundly rewarding and humbling – and the subject is of utmost importance in our society today: the challenges women face and how they found the courage and strength to overcome them. If I should ever be asked again to contribute my poems, I will do so without hesitation.

I am a wife, a grandmother, a lover, a friend, a singer, a writer, a poet and a dreamer. I am a woman. I hope you enjoy the first of my two poems, Bird of Promise. Thank you for the privilege.

BIRD OF PROMISE
It was just a fling, just one of those things she fell upon
quite by accident with no intent of malice or harm.
She never meant for the strong desire so wrong to last so long.

No child, she. A life well spent with no sense
or scent of doubt or regret
for she was a one off, a rare and spirited
bird of promise in thought, action and word.

She knew herself better than any woman or man
who came to her with open heart and hand,
never afraid to take a stand,
without trying she could command
a room of strangers or friends
for she was the willow that always bends.

Never intimidated, she wouldn’t allow herself to be
berated, deflated, abused or humiliated. 

Then this thing, this once in a lifetime fling
blossomed like the bouquets of spring,
bursting with an uncontrollable,
unstoppable, insurmountable
force she could not rein in.

How did she allow herself to be so exposed,
for him to see her inner core,
wanting and demanding more
than she could give or afford
while inflicting pain with nothing to gain
except stress and blame
and risking the loss of all things
she held near and dear,
almost extinguishing
her brightest inner flame.

Resolve restored she said
“No more!” She’d said it before,
two, three times, maybe four.
Get up off the floor, open the door;
be that bird of promise and soar.
This time she meant it but her heart was broken
and sore like those who suffered
and bore
the ravages of war.

She loved him;
that was her greatest sin.

NAR © 2022

20 thoughts on “BIRD OF PROMISE”

  2. I too, have never considered myself a poet – at least since leaving my angst ridden teen self behind. But lately, I am coming across the form you have used, with such powerful and emotional effect, and wondering, just wondering, do I have that lurking somewhere deep within me? If only I could match your effort…

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    1. Oh, dear Gwen! They’re only words (as the Bee Gees sang)! Seriously, thank you from deep within my heart for your very kind and sincere words. I have written a few real rhyming poems; it’s not easy and I envy those who can do so with seemingly little effort. The ones I’ve done took time and patience; I believe they turned out well and I’m proud of them. Re ‘Bird of Promise’, I decided free verse was the way to go. Look at it as a though you were writing a story with shorter paragraphs chopped up and spread out to look like a poem. That’s the best way I can describe the process I used; hope I got the message across. Once again, thank you for your lovely words. 💕

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      1. I agree, Nancy. I’ve been drawn to such poems recently, and it does “feel” as if they are short form of the ideas I often toss around. Even in my long form writing (110,000 words, etc) my sentences are often short, clipped, even choppy. Random thoughts that spill out.

        Last week, I did a workshop on the discursive essay. All new to me, but one of the elements was an emotional undertone. Then out it poured when we had to do a short writing stint. So, it is all lurking in there somewhere.

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  3. Oh Nancy,
    Your poem is incredible. I love the picture and everything about it.. the metaphor, power and beauty of the piece and the ending so incredible!

    So honored to be beside you in this incredible book at such a timely time in history.. Painful I might add!~

    💖

    “This time she meant it but her heart was broken
    and sore like those who suffered
    and bore
    the ravages of war.

    She loved him;
    that was her greatest sin.

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    1. Thank you so much, my luv! This was not easy for me, as you read in the intro. I really do not consider myself a poet but it was something I had to try. I’m so glad that I did and am thrilled to be in the book as you are. I’m taking my time reading everyone’s poems and have ordered some copies for family and friends. Thank you again for your beautiful and encouraging words. Love you, sista! Strong women together forever!! 🌹 🥰 💪🏼

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      1. You are so welcome. I don’t either but you really are and it was a wonderful poem at that. I still haven’t had time to read much with my WP snafus and remodel next project. You’re so welcome my soul sistar and yes stronger together! 💖

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    1. Thanks so much! I was never really inclined to self-publish my own work so getting involved with the other authors involved in the compilation of this book was a fantastic opportunity and a great experience. 🌹

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