The writing prompt from Sunday Scribblings this week could not have come at a better time. Instantly a gajillion and seven things came to mind but I would hate to do bullet points for that amount of things I carry. Plus, I’d be extremely depressed after writing down everything I carry. Therefore, the challenge for this exercise is not to sound like a martyr and balance that with believing that the burdens or things I carry aren’t so heavy that I want to lie down in front of a moving dump truck.
I carry…
The history of the lives of my children and the hope that in their eyes I can see my own past.
I carry…
The suffering of the middle child syndrome and the empathy for every middle child I meet.
I carry…
Not being black enough or white enough and trying to fit in or make my own place.
I carry…
The burden of the impoverished and ignorant and the hope that I can offer something.
I carry…
The dreams of a girl who wanted so much that she can no longer remember what they were.
I carry…
The tiniest piece of bitterness for people who’ve abandoned me.
I carry…
The Common Sense of the knowledge that bitterness only hurts me in the end.
I carry…
Longings for the lives of those who seem to have it all and the matching suitcase of Guilt that accompanies it.
I carry…
A lively spirit and a forgiving heart that has to be trained and protected from former bruises.
I carry…
A tender love and fascination for the fragility and complexity of life.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
This is the luggage of someone I would want to know.
you carry just enough to allow you to carry on… this was lovely….
You carry my adoration. And a trunkful of shoes.
This is exactly why I love your writing. You are awe inspiring. Can we be BFFs?
A wisely pithy list! Love it!
You sound like a brave person. I hope you have someone who can help you carry that burden!
And you carry it all well.
One of my favorite songs at church was, I think, written by a member and went…
Cradle me cradle me
Carry me carry me
Gently together, together forever,
Oh God, Oh God, Oh God, Oh God…
You have to hear the tune to get the full effect…
You’ve got some very things in your bag – I really love the last one, and think everyone should have some of that
cool list – i’ll be back to read more posts later.
Thanks for giving me back a sense of humanity today. I needed your post today. I carry the belief that GOD is all knowing and sent me to your blog.
A passionate and compassionate woman living behind such powerful heartfelt words! Thanks for sharing this tender intimate post.
Peace Giggles
Kinda sad that there even is something like black or white enough…
From a purely physical stand point, I tend to think that the most beautiful people are those of mixed races or ethnicities.
The one I carry that bothers me the most and comes under the heading of “must let this go” is:
all the things I should’ve done with/for my kids: been more patient, more open, been there more, etc., etc., etc. And even though they’re adults now I still wish I’d had more time – and taken the time – to appreciate the little moments when they happened.