Just under a week left in NaPoWriMo and it feels kind of surreal to almost be at the end. Cultivating a daily writing practice grounded in poetry has been an exercise in discipline, surrender, and releasing perfectionism. It’s been the work I desperately needed to do and likely will need to continue if I’m to remain connected to myself, my body, my voice.

I decided to write and ooreio (title read before each stanza) and an ooreia (title read after each stanza). It makes for an interesting read. I drew my inspiration from The Mandalorian and @beausia’s prompt ‘THIS IS THE WAY,” which was the mantra of the creed of the Mandalorian people. It became a phrase I turned over in my head when making decisions, trying to make sure I was acting in accordance with my values. They are the guideposts; they are the way.

xo, adrienne

this is the way (ooreio)

i decide what to stand for

no matter how scared i get

 

i commit to looking power

dead in the eye and refuse to blink

 

i divest my time and attention

from transactional ways of being

 

i devote my hands to weaving

threads of hope into soft, warm quilts

 

i let my actions and words

show the truest me

 

 

this is the way (ooreia)

hands clasped at the wrist, solid 

holding the promises we made to each other

 

foreheads bowed, a breath apart,

a breath shared as we say our goodbyes

 

voices raised, calling out, singing as one

the laments and hopes of our ancestors

 

meal shared by the fire, on the run, or under sunshine

fueling  the will to go on

 

talking, listening, learning, facing the good and the bad

knowing the journey is all there is