embracing grace in the midst of motherhood
The ones to break
news of Jesus’ resurrection
were the women —
Mary Magdalene, Joanna,
Mary, the mother of James
Jesus approached them in the garden
when the women spoke out
some did not believe them
Even now, women speak truth
and many refuse to accept it
My most sacred confessions
have been to women
When I was dead inside,
women resurrected me.
They said I believe you
It wasn’t your fault
You are good
I couldn’t believe in myself
but I believed them.
Plan out your garden,
Imagine basil, tomatoes & peppers,
Try Thai takeout from a new restaurant,
Submit a poem — or three,
Don’t mull over rejection,
Celebrate your courage in trying,
Book flights for a spring break trip,
Stargaze on your deck,
Pick out new sneakers,
Instead of boring, old white choose jade green for
good karma,
Pray for peace on earth,
Vox your girlfriends,
Send them snail mail, too,
Gift old baby books to expecting mamas,
Invite friends over for dinner,
Walk the dog in the cold sunshine, even when you don’t want to, feel the wind bite your hands, feel more alive, feel grateful to be moving,
Drink decaf with a swirl of whipped cream,
Organize a messy drawer,
Donate old toys & jeans that don’t fit,
Buy your kids Lucky Charms for breakfast,
Buy yourself tulips,
Center them on the kitchen counter,
Marvel at their blossoms — the way they guzzle water, unfurl & reach for the sunlight,
Keep the faith: spring is coming,
Even now, you’re blooming.
Erin Strybis 