FORTITUDE

Fortitude 

by

Jenni Pezzano





"This poem was sparked by a memory of walking on fire when I was 15, and what I had wanted to achieve through that experience. As we grow and change we have to redefine all those promises we made to ourselves and continue to nurture the "little bird" in all of us."



Within the definitions of myself

there have been

So many years 

spent running

searching for meaning

hidden in the cracks

hidden in the eyes of others

and as I watch my flesh grow soft

made tame

with the revolution

of giving life

my mind 

in repose

I go to you once more

young child

as you walked upon the fire

hot coals against a dark desert sky

asking for strength

did you find it?

is strength

not in the holding onto things

but in the letting go?

for I am just a body

composed of secrets

hidden beneath my blood

the rush of whispers

in my ear

while my heart

a trembling bird

shuffles in her cage

wings outstretched

ready to take flight

time has no meaning to her

she does not grow weary 

with the weight of gravity

she dreams of renewal

patient

and  eternal.

Jenni Pezzano Is a full time writer, poet and mother. Her travels have lead her to the deep desert of New Mexico and all over Oregon. From the quiet forests of southern Oregon/northern California redwoods and the lush coastal landscape of a 180 acre commune to the bustling city of Portland.  She draws inspiration from the varied landscapes and life experiences she has encountered. Writing has always been a therapeutic form of expression for her, continuing to seek out a deeper meaning behind her personal stories. She has currently returned to her native small town home in southern Oregon to raise her family. You can follow her blog at Jennileighp@wordpress.com.

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