35 Comments
User's avatar
Marisol Muñoz-Kiehne's avatar

Mutual preserving?

Friends’ jams sweeten when in jam.

Especially then.

Julie Potiker's avatar

This is gorgeous James. Pulling out a chair for that unwelcome visitor, starting with that very charged word, and then allowing, allowing, being with, metabolizing, is such an exquisite description of love. May she make a complete recovery, and feel the compassion of community holding her just the way that feels right. 🙏

Paula Lepp's avatar

Thank you, Julie

PreetamDas's avatar

Beautiful, how I love this set of words:

"to share the light

our bodies already know how to store.."

Linda Glass's avatar

Yes! "...and turn into food"

Lori's avatar

Your poems are prayers, James. Adding my own for you and Paula.

Katey Largay's avatar

Thank you for so beautifully describing the light inside we all hold for each other, especially for Paula st this time.❤️💕

Paula Lepp's avatar

Love to you, Katey

Kathryn S's avatar

Exquisite. Thank you for sharing 🌿🤍

On Wings Like Eagles's avatar

You have an enormous heart James what beautiful writing! I will join you in love and prayer.♥️❤️🙏

Annie Watson's avatar

Love the last four lines. This is truly the best help we can offer. And the lines about the sweetness of the jam stand in good contrast to the word malignant.

Carole Halmekangas's avatar

Beautiful - tender, intimate. Thank you. I will pray for Paula and all in this community who share her journey.

Teresa Smith-Dixon's avatar

Releasing my light to several right now. Thank you

Leslie Waugh's avatar

Sublime, James — “tasting the sun now trapped

in each bite.” Thank you for this wonderful poem. Blessings to Paula and all who are facing unwanted, unpleasant diagnoses.

The Cobh's avatar

That description is gorgeous.

Leslie Waugh's avatar

I just adore his poetry, and James is a wonderful human, too.

mj hadley's avatar

A beautiful gift for your friend. For us all. Thank you.

Linda Glass's avatar

Dear James, your poem fills me today with love and with poetry-writing inspiration. Sending so much love, care, and healing light to Paula. And so much gratitude for You.

Trish Vanson's avatar

This is beautiful! I love that you started with one of those trigger words, malignant, acknowledging the unwelcome visitor. My own experience in facing malignancy is that it was an opportunity for me to learn that I could receive love from others, I could let my walls down and let love in. This was particularly important during the pandemic when all my friends were at a distance! Your poem is an opportunity to invite all into a sharing of the light of love. Thank you.

Interestingly, the last poem I posted was an exploration of my experience with cancer.

Amy Segerstrom's avatar

Sending love to you and Paula, James❤️

Donna J Hilbert's avatar

Thank you dear James. I am holding Paula I. My heart. I met her through your work.

Paula Lepp's avatar

Thank you dear Donna! ❤️