Believe 

At some moment in our existence,

be it during childhood, adolescence or later,

we begin to construct a vision of

how our lives will be.

Our parents, surroundings, beliefs,

time & experiences help

form & elaborate that vision

to the point where we not only see it,

but we feel it and even

taste the joy of success.

At times this vision becomes so important that

it overshadows our present life,

we journey unmindful of the here & now;

day by day we exist, inasmuch as

we are absorbed by the future.

We forget that our present guides us into the future.

We forget that life is not predictable,

things do not always happen as visualized;

even the most carefully detailed plans can fail.

What then?  Do we give up?

Or do we learn to trust our instincts & experiences

that tell us we are capable of walking

the unknown, uncharted path,

believing it is fulfilling,

believing it is rewarding, and,

most of all,

believing in ourselves.

 

 

Mildred Santiago  2021

                       Writing 

For years I taught students about writing,
about how to capture the reader's attention,
about the importance of an introduction, and,
about how to develop & conclude an essay.
I recall emphasizing not to use clichés,
writers need to use fresh, descriptive words
that make their thoughts known with clarity
and, most of all, with feeling.

Many, many times I said,

"Remember, no worn out, trite phrases that

fill lines but not the heart and soul."

Years later, here I am,

trying to follow my own advice

and write a line or two about a

long forgotten memory tucked away

in a deep corner of my heart.

Maybe I could write about growing up in

Brooklyn and how much fun I had

with my brother & sister playing outside

with the kids from the block:

Red light-Green light, tag, May I,

hopscotch, roller skating, and more.

Or, maybe I could write about walking to school

and making the unavoidable stop at the candy store

to buy Bazooka bubble gum wrapped in a

Bazooka Joe comic strip for just two cents.

Yes, I want to write, but I don't feel the muse.

I allow daily dos and must dos distract me,

I use them as excuses, justifications for

not allowing myself to think, write, read,

and then write some more.

Maybe I should be still, meditate and

get in touch with my inner self

so I can coax memories & feelings

out of their hiding places.

Or, maybe all I need to do is

pick up a pen and begin

writing, writing, writing.