Results Might Seem Strange

We tend to believe
humans are nature’s axis.
Then we are surprised.

Nature’s will to thrive
respects no human constructs
standing in its way.

Though results seem strange,
nature’s grand plan embraces
its own renewal.

The Will to Renew

It surprises me.
Faced with disheartening odds,
one can choose to smile.

The human spirit
stuns with its resolute will
to keep marching on.

The new beginnings,
fool’s errand or found wisdom,
will keep arriving.

A Reluctant Truth?

What ingredient
self rising and insistent
explains dogged hope?

What twist of life’s plan,
what warped strain of providence,
grants undeserved loss?

The error may be
thinking goodness in practice
results in its like.

At Times ...

A call for silence,
a time to regenerate,
these needs keen loudly.

Rustling leaves take pause.
Technology’s shrillness too
wanes respectfully.

Within the stillness,
new growth finds a safe harbor.
Restoration starts.

Endurance

I do not know how
I will manage to endure,
but I know I shall.

Life’s trajectory
guarantees little indeed.
One can only hope.

I tap into roots
spiritual and grounded.
My center will hold.

Waiting

Crackling and barren,
burdened slender boughs struggle.
Their shadows mimic.

Strength in stark beauty,
monotonic in shading,
essentials lay stripped.

Beneath the deadness,
renewal and hope await
their life cycle turn.

Only a Witness

A breeze wafts on wings,
invisible yet present,
passing with whispers.

What mystery comes
in near silence while passing,
powerful in deed.

Full comprehension
eludes my cognitive skills.
It may never come.

A New Start Beckons

It has been a while.
Life wrenched in odd twists and turns
testing my mettle.

Wisdom still slips past
full comprehension and grasp.
Life can just be hard.

Small mercies cast hope
lighting paths out of despair
while I seek healing.

My head slowly lifts.
The moon sets. The sun rises.
A new start beckons.

My wounds slowly heal.
Full restoration falls short,
but I keep hoping.

Treasured companions
sharing my winding pathways
buoy my spirits.

Seeking Serenity

God, grant me serenity to
Accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can, and
Wisdom to know the difference.

Despite MS, to Spite MS by Dan and Jennifer Digmann

Dan and Jennifer
share valued MS insights
in their superb book.

Experiences,
emotions and attitudes
dealing with MS.

Heartwarming essays
with relationship lessons.
Inspirational.

The Accidental Poet

This poet was born,
not from an urge to create
high literature.

The essence of life
drawn in compact form and style
found expression.

No pretensions here
only a cry from the heart
of an injured soul.

Pet Peeve

Here is a pet peeve.
When people say they are glad
that they got MS.

They are pleased because
it made them better persons.
My blood just curdles.

Are you kidding me?
Was there no better method
to accomplish growth?

My Own Haiku Rules

Haiku tradition,
nature-centered poetry.
Mine is not that way.

MS changes rules.
My nature has a new look.
It is not just trees.

In stretching the rules
I give wings to my spirit
which MS can’t kill.

In MS - Is It Grief or Depression?

How to recognize

if it’s grief or depression
not always easy.

Let us remember
grief is a normal process
and necessary.

Here is a great link.
It will help us determine
the differences.

Learning Humility

MS big lesson
is learning humility,
keeping self respect.

No big shots present.
Protection from life’s hardships
not possible here.

We travel a road,
equalized by our
similar challenge.

A Full Glass

Hope is contagious.
I am not in denial
when I affirm this.

I do believe that
a glass half full sates my thirst.
So why not drink up?

If in the process,
others believe this also,
my glass might seem full.

Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela
is an inspiring figure.
Against odds, he won.

Dignity and grace
he maintained intact despite
crushing stress and strife.

Here’s what we can learn
from this absolute hero:
Odds don’t tell it all.

Nerve Transmission Speed

Myelin cover
affects nerve transmission speed.
It’s why we suffer.

One hundred eighty,
myelinated nerves reach;
mph, that is.

Half mph for
demyelinated nerves.
Quite a contrast.

I Am Mostly Brave

If I get weepy,
It’s usually because
I miss who I was.

I know I’m still me,
But my new garment sometimes
Does not fit too well.

I am mostly brave.
I smile through a lot that pains.
Aren’t I just like you?

Brain Plasticity

Brain plasticity
Promise was not accepted.
It is standard now.

A new paradigm.
MS sentence commuted.
Grants new potential.

What to do with it?
Possibilities abound.
Let me grab them now.