Poetry: Spread Your Wings
Spread Your Wings
Beautiful Soul,
Spread your wings that have been tucked away
Unleash your beautiful colors, and vibrant energy
Let your wings feel the wild wind, the warm sun
And give them a chance to open, stretch, dry, and heal
From all the years of pain and anguish
Turmoil, darkness, and sadness that they, that you
Have felt, and have stumbled through
Until you were tired and worn, and felt no more like flying
But curled up, then forgot how to use your wings
Rest Dear Love, feel at ease and rest
There is no rushing into flying just yet
But do know that when you are ready
You are most able to soar, like a Phoenix
That is reborn from the ashes, once the fire dies out
Transformed and healed, from the inside out
Washed and burned, and cleansed by the fire
To create a stronger, more beautiful creature than ever
Courage Dear Butterfly, when you are but ready
Let your wings take you where the wind dare not blow
And guide you to a beautiful life, that until now
You thought too joyous to imagine, see ahead, or know of
For it is there, it always has been,
Just waiting for you…
When you are ready to claim it, be in it, really feel it
With the entirety of your body and soul
May your heart be a guide for you
And let your dreams be a part of you
Your stars await you, to reach out and touch them
Dance with them, and make great use of them
Always know that if you ever tire
And feel like you are falling through the fire
You may fear, but each time remember…
Great hands will catch you, greatness will guide you
And breathe vibrant new life inside of you
Allow you to rest, transform, and heal
And you will… if you allow yourself to.
~Jessica
Author's Narrative About This Poem
I originally wrote this poem in 2009 for a friend who was at an all-time low in his life. After writing it, I realized that it applied to my life, and that it could also apply to just about any person who has gone through a rough period. The symbol of the Phoenix has held a special meaning for me for many years, because I feel I have been burned to the ground time and time again; yet somehow I continue to “rise from the ashes,” with or without support from others, but mostly without support.
This continuing regeneration affirms and celebrates that I have tremendous power within me, even though at times it appeared to be squelched by circumstances or people attempting to own, manipulate, and control me in the past. However frightening at first, each time I “go through the fire” and make it to the other side, I become stronger, gaining ever-growing awareness and healing, and acceptance of my experiences.
This poem is also a reminder to give myself permission to take time out to rest, reflect, and center myself, in order to facilitate my healing, as an important gesture of self-love. It’s about the importance of being gentle with myself, not worrying about rushing my healing process but honoring my own personal unique cycle of growth; to follow my heart and live on my own terms rather than do what others expect or demand of me; nurturing myself, listening to my body and trusting my intuition, rather than to distrust or ignore it, a habit that I formed as a young child in reaction to so much ongoing abuse.
When I say, “greatness will guide you”, I mean that my core Inner highest self will guide me. I believe our own answers are within if we have the courage and patience to take the time to listen, and importantly, trust our own deeper wisdom - something that cults highly discourage, and something which I am still in the process of learning to do.
-Jessica