My Space (Writing Challenge)

My Space

I wake to live and wait.

I think to imagine then dream.

I reflect to inspire and plan.

I see the stairs to the hallway and door.

I climb to walk then run.

I open to close and smile.

My space to create.

My space to be passionate.

My space to be alive.

In my space, I am free.

© 2010 Sarah Donnellan All Rights Reserved

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This was done for the recent mid-theme Coxswain Challenge on The Inferno. Have a visit to read other member's interpretations of The Artist Challenge's, Paul Pinson's painting, 'Workshop of Marc Boussac in Paris Montparnasse France'.

His Secret Window (Art & Writing Challenge)

His Secret Window

Beside where the willow tree lives at the corner,
Stands a square wooden house with a high wooden porch.
Inside there is a man who could not go outside of it.
How I came to know him is the story I want to tell.

I walk each morning and as I passed by his house
I noticed a front window half covered with vines.
At first, here and there, I saw him warily gazing out.
These were the times our eyes started to meet one another.

He would look down quickly then and soon disappear.
I had found myself walking ever slower past,
As he came to stay longer behind his veil of green vines.
We became more familiar and ready for the moment.

I had thought what I saw was a ghost of a man,
The longing in his eyes kept drawing me to him,
And he, drawn to my comfort in the freedom of outside.
This constancy went on for a time between him and me.

I began to wonder more and more about him.
I began to wonder what I could do to help.
I began to see in his eyes that this is what he wished.
I began to see that his secret window was dirty.

On that special morning instead of passing by,
I thought to stop on the sidewalk across from him.
He was there as had been, but this day looked very startled.
I went to him, to his window where he hid with the vines.

But I smiled and he moved closer into view.
Being so close with the thin glass in the middle,
Still keeping his gaze, I lifted my hand up and towards it.
And slowly, I wiped off the dirt of his fearful vision.

His eyes widened and then he smiled shyly back.
When I walked away, it was behind me I heard,
The knob turned and the door creaked open and there he stood.
I watched happily but he paused and started to close it.

His trust now gained, as I outstretched my hand to him,
He grabbed it and taking one step and then some more,
Until he was able to feel free, under the sun’s warmth.
Breathing it in, his eyes were shining and he was outside.

Though I still pass by his house each and every day,
He now meets me at the same time on the sidewalk.
And from that day to this, he looks forward to his outing.
For from that day to this, my walks are with him beside me.

© 2010 Sarah Donnellan
All Rights Reserved, Text & Image 

Inspiration:  I was inspired by fellow Inferno writer, Ann Field’s story, Restless Tuesday for the ‘Restless’ theme. Sometimes all it takes is a small gesture of help that can make all the difference in someone else’s life.
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These were both done for the most recent theme, 'The Secret Window'. Please visit other member's work at The Artist Challenge and The Inferno.

Funny Chocolate Chip Greeting Card

The Restless Tree (Art & Writing Challenge)

The Restless Tree

She is still and silent and rooted deep in the earth.
Though a look of tranquility rests on her branches,
Inside and up from her trunk to her limbs,
She is restless as she waits, held at the whim of the wind.

The strong desire to move is a gift from nature.
She was made able to bend and yield to the currents,
Offering a sweeping source of balance.
Biding time to awaken lengthens, her senses sharpen.

When the scent and breath of a breeze reaches from afar,
She hears the welcome light howl of a traveling wind.
Caressing strokes upturn her many leaves,
While a gathering and gentle whirlwind lift her branches.

She is impassioned with the rush of life.

© 2010 Sarah Donnellan
All Rights Reserved Image & Text

Inspiration: I think trees are happier and most beautiful when moving.
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These were both done for the current challenge theme, 'Restless'. Please go have a visit at The Artist Challenge and The Inferno for other member's varying interpretations.