poetry by Lynda Dowd

1. Recipe for Disaster

2. Dear Dad

 

Recipe for Disaster

Take one heart, encase in a shell
and it is locked in time forever,
Safe and secure from emotional hell
and so sure it will be for the better

The wiser of us know this is not true
yet we convince ourselves that it must be
These feelings of loneliness and solitude
become the shell that embrace me

For years we can walk in this haze
wondering about love and joy
But the secret is locked away
in a shell that cannot be destroyed

Then one day we awaken and realize
our life has been safe and unfulfilled
A strategy chosen to characterize
a life of no hurt, a life standing still

The realization there must be more
sent a fracture to the outer shell
Call in the brain to assess the score
confusion follows; an emotional spell

The fracture grows, the brain is confused
a beating sound from inside the shell
The highest level of security was used
the beating heart has broken the spell

Although the brain is agile and smart
it's purpose survival and protection
The pulse of life is in the heart
home to love, joy and connection

The rationale for this Recipe for Disaster
was set to fail from the start
Although the brain is wise and crafty
it's no match for the resilient heart

To those that have walked both sides
I share this poem with you
If you are willing to confide
in your heart it will always be true.

Lynda Dowd
Mar. 8/06

Top

 

Dear Dad

Dear Dad - How are you today? I have something I want to say
Do you have time to talk? It really can't wait my head's in the way.

Dear Dad - The years have come and gone, the words and hurt have too
Today I came to realize that I've not forgiven you

Dear Dad - I called you up today not just to ask how are you?
I called to share my shame and say I'd not forgiven me too

Dear Dad - We started out okay and then things fell apart
I did not understand back then, but chose to close my heart

Dear Dad - We had a closeness once I hope to have again
I am so very sorry, I want to break this strain

Dear Dad - I love you so much you are always in my heart
I want to collapse this wall that keeps our hearts apart

Dear Dad - You say it's not my fault and that I understand
I thank you for your forgiveness and loving me as I am

Dear Dad - I'm calling you today to share what's going on
I love you very much and time is marching on

Dear Dad - I look to our future chats with great anticipation
Today I felt unconditional love and true heart-felt compassion

Dear Dad - I love you very much, you are always in my heart
Today there is no emotional wall, just room for a brand new start.

Lynda Dowd
Mar. 8/06.

Top

© 2006 Linda Dowd