Waters of My Mind (II)
stream of consciousness
are the lessons ever easy
do the teachings ever quit
does moving forward ever feel lighter
is there a path that doesn’t split
…
do the blazes continue igniting
because there’s something i’ve yet to learn
can i allow the fire to change my landscape
constantly surrendering to the burn
…
why are my edges are always steep
the crag always intense
do i have to be the belayer and the lead
anchoring the pitch
…
can i continue to stand steady
and face the gale force winds
finding pliability to avoid rigidity
and the stamina to transcend
…
do i have to tear down the bridge
or can i rip out the rotted beams
replacing them with new unweathered trusses
or do i have to go to extremes
…
can i somehow become stronger
acquiring more resolve
at the same time could i be softer
are there more walls i should dissolve
…
can i release roughness around my edges
callouses i’ve grown to shield my scars
and still be moldeable through the process
with a receptive and maleable heart
…
where’s the balance in holding firm
to the lessons already learned
and letting go of the resolute
allowing new ideals to churn
…
can i be a conduit for new streams of thought
flowing gently without force
changing the foundation of the bedrock
altering the rivers course
…
can i flow with the winds of change
once again shifting my fields anew
releasing the old into the breeze
making room for something new
………………………………………………………
If you’d like to read part one:
About the Creator
Kristen Balyeat
Words fly to me on the wind, bump into me as I'm strolling the city, splash me in the face while I rest by the river, and shake me awake in the middle of the night– I’m humbly one of the many vessels they use to come to life.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Comments (13)
I’m trying to find a comment from you from the other day..hah..and realised I missed this piece.. I wish my sister liked poetry and could read it as I found myself thinking of her.. such a push/pull of emotions in your writing which I responded to. Maybe I will show it to her after all who knows. Many thoughtful and introspective stanzas that I don’t know where to start! ☺️👏
This was so good, insightful. Reflective, thought provoking as always you continue to impress
Wow, this is so powerful and relatable. This line 'why are my edges are always steep' and this stanza: 'can i somehow become stronger acquiring more resolve at the same time could i be softer are there more walls i should dissolve' especially connected with me, but they were all amazingly written.
Ah, the paradox. That which is soft, is strong ❤
Your poems are always so breathtakingly beautiful! This one was just so powerful!
You’re easily one favourite poets Kristen. The music was stunning and truly made for an immersive experience that I thoroughly enjoyed ❤️🙏✨
Excellent! Your poetry is always so thought-provoking, Kristen!
Beautifully done. I hope to get the answers to some of these questions some day.... perhaps a part 2 with answers and a how-to?💙 Anneliese
That tension among standing firm, adapting, or being so far gone it all has to be torn down so you can start anew. I believe in you, Kristen, & from what you've shared with us, I'm pretty sure your husband & kids do too.
So gorgeous I will absolutely read part one!
Very smooth rhyming and flow in this poem Kristen, and I love the imagery here as well. Great questions about change of mindset.. old Vs new.. very thought provoking
The flow is capturing. I love your consciousness poems! Well-done and thanks for sharing.
I love this style and flow for u, and the messages u expressed!! ✨ great poem