I am really chuffed that two of my poems have been featured in two
separate MS magazines this month. One is in the MS Trust magazine,
Open Door, and is part of an article I wrote about my diagnosis and my
ongoing journey living with MS. I’m not good at inserting links but if
anyone would like to read the article it is easily accessed by searching
MS Trust, click on publications and the Open Door magazine. Click on “read as pdf”.
The other poem is one I wrote way back at the beginning of my diagnosis and
at the very start of my poetry writing. It is one which I had forgotten
I had written until they reminded me! Here it is:-
It’s Ok to Cry
“Oh, please don’t cry”,
they sometimes say,
though I think it’s their
discomfort, helplessness
for others’ strife.
But it’s ok to cry;
it untangles threads
of feeling, sorts them
into length, colour,
texture and weight
so the embroidery can begin again
under new light.
Ina
Feb 13, 2013 @ 10:57:24
Hi Christine, your poetry is beautiful and says so much about what you are going through. Those publications will help others to understand. I hope to read many more of your poems! Love and hugs xx
journeyintopoetry
Feb 13, 2013 @ 11:21:27
Thank you Ina.
I started writing poetry for two main reasons, the first being as therapy for myself, and the second, in the hope that it might reach out to others in a similar situation. I think I am on my way to achieving both those aims which gives me a good feeling.
L&H xx
rumpydog
Feb 13, 2013 @ 11:08:20
Congrats on some well-deserved publicity!
journeyintopoetry
Feb 13, 2013 @ 11:23:16
Thank you very much rumpydog, for taking time to visit and leaving such an encouraging comment. It is so much appreciated.
Christine
Pete Armetta
Feb 13, 2013 @ 11:21:36
I’m a huge proponent of being a blathering idiot when it’s appropriate. 🙂
journeyintopoetry
Feb 13, 2013 @ 11:25:11
Your comment made me laugh Pete! Blither away! 😊
journeyintopoetry
Feb 13, 2013 @ 11:27:00
Blather or blither!! There’s nary a difference! 😊
leamuse
Feb 13, 2013 @ 11:41:30
Well done Christine.
Yes, without a doubt, tears are cathartic. For a bit more on the subject, I have borrowed this from an article by Dr. Judith Orloff.
“Emotional tears have special health benefits. Biochemist and “tear expert” Dr. William Frey at the Ramsey Medical Center in Minneapolis discovered that reflex tears are 98% water, whereas emotional tears also contain stress hormones which get excreted from the body through crying. After studying the composition of tears, Dr. Frey found that emotional tears shed these hormones and other toxins which accumulate during stress.
Additional studies also suggest that crying stimulates the production of endorphins, our body’s natural pain killer and “feel-good” hormones.”
journeyintopoetry
Feb 13, 2013 @ 12:01:41
Hi Lea, and thank you for your comment
And what an interesting and fascinating extract from this article regarding tears!
I knew nothing of this. But I can sort of understand it as crying for me at the emotional level always helps me.
Love
Christine xx .
triciabertram
Feb 13, 2013 @ 11:52:22
Chrisrtine this is a wonderful poem. A simple truth beautifully expressed.
“so the embroidery can begin again”
You have such a gift my friend.
Congrats on the doube publication, I’m off to read the other now.
Hugs
Tricia
journeyintopoetry
Feb 13, 2013 @ 12:03:21
Tricia,
Thank you for your lovely comment
You always give me such encouragement; a true friend for whom I am very grateful.
Lo e and hugs
Christine xx.
triciabertram
Feb 13, 2013 @ 12:50:28
Just read the article Christine. Very well done, and it was accompanied by one of my favourite poems. The power of the walker sitting silently with the words gets me every time.
Take care my friend
Tricia xoxo
Journeyintopoetry
Feb 13, 2013 @ 13:09:48
Thank you for reading it Tricia!
The walker, which is called Wilbur, now stands proudly with its cheerful bunting, which, as you said before, alters the whole dimention of the walker. Ive now bought some colourful stickers for it too! i hope they dont leave a borrible mark when they get grubby. But I guess I can just put new ones on top. I am determined to colour this contraptionup!!.
Hugs xx
countingducks
Feb 13, 2013 @ 12:22:07
Well done on the publication. Satisfying and well deserved if I may say so. I loved the last two lines of the poem, which appear simple but actually develop and resonate the more you think about them,
” so the embroidery can begin again
under new light”
Lovely.
Journeyintopoetry
Feb 13, 2013 @ 12:30:28
Thank you Peter, very much
Your comnents are always encouraging for me and they are very much appreciated
Im just off to read your new post! I will get my coffee ready first😊 then settle to enjoy.
belfastdavid
Feb 13, 2013 @ 13:14:44
Hi Christine,
I was so proud of you when I first read that article.
Still am!!
And as for the poem it is an absolute gem.
On the one hand seeming so simple, on the other saying everything!
For years I had a real problem with crying.
My Aunty Penny saw to that!!! 🙂
And although I still find it difficult, I can cry.
Love you loads
David
xxx
Journeyintopoetry
Feb 13, 2013 @ 13:26:03
Thank you David, not just for tnis lovely comment but also for your constant support and encouragement.
Your Aunty Penny seems to have seen to many things from what you have told me 😊, I. Know she is still a very bright star in your life.
I’m glad you are able to cry now, it is beneficial for us all and trying to resist it doesn’t solve anything or prove anything. None of us has anythingo prove anyway! 😊
. Now I will shut up before I carry on, and on and…!
Love you loads
Christine
Xxx
sophie walker
Feb 13, 2013 @ 14:08:50
oh wow I love that poem Christine…..and could be so apt for many…..if I may I’d like to post it on First Steps Derbyshire fb page….and if ok with you I would like to put your name….seems unfair otherwise….!! Is that ok….? It actually really frustrates me when people tell me to stop crying, as I can see it is about them not me….and it took a long long time to cry so when I do I would rather let it be….as I believe tears are healing and they are prayers that we cannot quite express!!! In fact I’m feeling quite tearful today….and I would like to untangle it all, whatever it is about and start a fresh embroidery….thank you, you put it so perfectly….! xxx
Journeyintopoetry
Feb 13, 2013 @ 14:30:18
Thank you Sophie. Yes of course you can share my poem. That is what most of my poetry is for,to help myself and hopefully others whatever it is they happen to be going through. So I am delighted that you want to share it. Thank you so much.
I love your phrase “prayers that we cant quite express”! I think thats exactly it!
Lots of love and hugs
Christine xxx!
lscotthoughts
Feb 13, 2013 @ 15:38:07
Congratulations on your publication, Christine, that is so exciting and your poem is just lovely. And I agree that it’s ok to cry, it’s a cleansing of the soul. So, if you ever need a shoulder to cry on, I’m here for you, okay? You can email me anytime…Beautiful poem, my friend..
Sending hugs and love your way,
Lauren
journeyintopoetry
Feb 13, 2013 @ 15:47:34
Thank you so much Lauren. And thank you too, for the offer of your shoulder, which I could actually use today. I will send you an email rather than go public on this.
Thank you again, you have become a good friend
Loveand hugs to you
Christine xxx
lscotthoughts
Feb 13, 2013 @ 15:52:58
You’re very welcome and if I don’t reply right away to your email, it’s b/c I’m getting ready for work or am at work. I work from 10-2 each day Pacific Time (Calif)…but, I’m here, so please remember that…talk to you soon! xxx
journeyintopoetry
Feb 13, 2013 @ 15:55:25
Thank you Lauren xx
suzywordmuser
Feb 13, 2013 @ 18:29:45
Congratulations on your two poems in magazines – a joyful moment for you! 😀
journeyintopoetry
Feb 13, 2013 @ 18:45:50
Thank you very much Suzy! Yes, its been a really uplifting experience.
Best wishes to you
Chrimstine x
bardessdmdenton
Feb 13, 2013 @ 19:26:59
The publications are so deserved, Christine! I am so thrilled for you and pleased that your writing, your poetry, your spirit will reach out to more. Even if one doesn’t have MS your words and reflections and honesty are an inspiration to encourage both acceptance and perseverance, and offer hope.
The last two stanzas of ‘It’s Ok to Cry’ are so beautiful! Thank you for sharing all that you do! Love and hugs, Diane XXXOOO
journeyintopoetry
Feb 13, 2013 @ 20:13:08
Thank you Diane, so much. Your comments always encourage me. I know I have said that before but I needed to say it again, because it is encouragement like yours that has helped me go get where I have arrived so far with my writing.
“A Friend Indeed”😊 love and hugs xxxxx
Harry
Feb 13, 2013 @ 19:50:32
Great news your two poems in magazines, keep up the good work.
journeyintopoetry
Feb 13, 2013 @ 20:13:41
Thanks very much Harry!
Christine
Caddo Veil
Feb 13, 2013 @ 20:05:31
What a wonderful poem, Christine–I LOVE it so much!! I’m thrilled about you being published!! (And glad to know that “chuffed” is a good thing–I wasn’t familiar with the word, so you’re educating me little by little!) God bless you BIG–much love to you, your Caddo
journeyintopoetry
Feb 13, 2013 @ 20:17:18
Thank you Caddo!
I wondered about the word”chuffed”. I was t sure if it was universal or not. Though when I think about it, it does sound a bit English! 😃
Thank you for all your encouragement, it means a lot. And thank you for being such a lovely friend.
Lots of love and hugs
Christine xx
tikarmavodicka
Feb 13, 2013 @ 20:33:00
Hi Christine,
Congratulations!!! 🙂 I am so very happy for you being published!! 😀 Your poetry has been so very inspiring and it’s wonderful that now even more people will have a chance to read your work too. What a beautiful gift your poetry has become to not only help yourself but also help others in consolation and understanding.
As for It’s Okay To Cry. Those last lines, are such a beautiful ray of hope.
I must confess I do not like crying. It leaves me with a headache and sore puffy eyes and I try to avoid it if possible. There are moments though when those floodgates open and there’s no stopping the flow of tears. Sometimes they speak more clearly than words ever could.
Congratulations again!! 🙂 It’s recognition so very well deserved.
Much love to you and
Pats for the cats and Jack
((((BIG WARM proud for you HUGS)))) 🙂
Tikarma
xoxoxox
journeyintopoetry
Feb 13, 2013 @ 20:45:50
Hi Tikarma,
Thank you very much for your warm comment.
You are always so supportive and encourage me with your sincerity.
And I do know what you mean by the headaches and puffy eyes! But as you say sometimes there is just no stopping them. I always feel better, as though a weight has been lifted.
Thank you from the cats and Jack for your lovely warm pats.
Lots of love and
(((BIG WARM HUGS)))
Christine xxxx
Laurel's Reflections
Feb 14, 2013 @ 06:58:31
Oh Christine, beautiful – so poignant, so full of truth. Sorry I have been so absent – no regular internet access in South Africa yet – but I’m still here…
So much love,
Laurel
Laurel's Reflections
Feb 14, 2013 @ 06:59:24
Reblogged this on Laurel's Reflections and commented:
A beautiful poem from Christine that really moved me on this tear-filled morning
journeyintopoetry
Feb 14, 2013 @ 11:33:02
Hi Laurel!
How lovely to hear from you 😊
And thank you for rebloging this! I do hope tour tears helped you to feel better.
Its so lovely to see you here again, you have been mussed. i kept looki g out for you!
Christine xxx
journeyintopoetry
Feb 14, 2013 @ 11:35:18
Lauren, I must apologise for my typos! I hope you understand my comment above. i cannot keep blaming my IPad! 😊
Mary Gilmartin
Feb 14, 2013 @ 15:06:09
Happy Valentine to you. May your day be filled with joy and writing.
journeyintopoetry
Feb 20, 2013 @ 18:07:50
Thank you Mary, for visiting and leaving this lovely comment.
Im sorry its taken me so long to reply. I hope you had a good valenti es day too.
Best wishes
Christine xx
hollyannegetspoetic
Feb 15, 2013 @ 00:12:41
Brilliant news on your poems being featured in the magazine – well done Christine! Really happy for you. xx
journeyintopoetry
Feb 15, 2013 @ 11:07:28
Thanks Holly!
I feel as though my rants have all been productive now! Lol
harulawordsthatserve
Feb 16, 2013 @ 07:05:28
Congratulations! And I really enjoyed this poem, loved the image of embroidery at the end. Great stuff!
journeyintopoetry
Feb 16, 2013 @ 10:34:04
Thank you very much for visiting and for this lovely comment.
Words like yours give me encouragement to carry on writing, which is still very new to me!
Fergiemoto
Feb 19, 2013 @ 04:40:18
Many congratulations, Christine!
I can so relate to your poem. It certainly is ok to cry, in fact it is necessary to cry and let out the emotional energy building inside us. It helps us heal.
Journeyintopoetry
Feb 19, 2013 @ 16:35:21
Thank you very much! Its good to feel my words may be reaching out to people.
And I totally agree about crying helping us heal.
Jane Thorne
Feb 21, 2013 @ 12:29:44
So very well done Chris. I read your article in the magazine and it has such warmth and empathy it will touch many people and reduce the sense of ‘aloneness’ we have when dealing with something beyond the norm. I love this poem and there is healing in tears. Much love and funky teapot hugs xxx
journeyintopoetryJourneyintopoetry
Feb 21, 2013 @ 12:43:22
Thank you very much Jane. You are a onstant source of support and encouragement to me!
The Trust enailed me to say that so far they have had over 70 “likes” on my article. I just feel so uplifted that my words may be helping soneone somewhere. And I have also had a few people get in touch with me with feedback suggesting the article helped them.
Lots of love and hippy happy teapots to you!
Christine xxx
Thomas Davis
Feb 22, 2013 @ 03:25:48
Congratulations on the publications, Christine! It’s always nice to break into print, although you print on wordpress regularly. It is okay to cry. Good work.
journeyintopoetry
Feb 22, 2013 @ 15:05:48
Thanks Tom, your comments are always appreciated very much.
There was something a little special seeing my words in print. 🙂