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breathing lessons
by Sandy M. Humphreybreathe
breathe deep
forcing the air
into lungs starved for oxygen
because somehow we forget
how to breathe taking only
shallow soulless breaths
throughout the busy days
breaths that do not taste
sweet nor do not nourish
tired and aching muscles
hold onto the air the way
you would as if it were laced
with nitrous and you were
expecting the dentist drill
now slowly release and with
it let go of the weeks toxic
stressors one exhale at a time
say goodbye auditors
goodbye to family taxi service
goodbye to clamoring voices
goodbye to office politics
goodbye to barking dogs
hello to muscles letting go
hello to brain finding space
hello to poetry returning
breathe as if you are the
hookah smoking caterpillar
and you might understand
the reasoning behind
the Cheshire cats grin
01/24/2009 Author's Note: "When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love. " Marcus Aurelius
Remembering how to just breathe and relax is an important part of anyones day. smh
Posted on 01/24/2009
Copyright © 2025 Sandy M. Humphrey
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by Gabriel Ricard on 01/24/09 at 06:08 PM The rhythm you've got going in this is great. You really pull it off nicely. |
| Posted by George Hoerner on 01/24/09 at 10:36 PM Gee, it's been a long long time since I read Marcus Aurelius. But I have read some of his philosophy. But this actually sounds like a psychologist telling me how to breath and relax. It works too. Been using if for years. |
| Posted by Gregory O'Neill on 01/24/09 at 10:54 PM Wonderful Sandy. A poetic mantra if there ever was one. Delighted. Thanks. |
| Posted by JD Clay on 02/01/09 at 03:06 PM This is a serendipitous poem, Sandy. Making something out of nothing will cure the world of all it's woes. Funny how we take simple acts for granted, like breathing. I am reminded that most headaches are caused by de-hydration and de-oxygenation. Stress tends to cause short breathes and vice-versa. What I really like about your poem is the conclusiveness in the last stanza. It's perfect! |
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