Standing still slowly..#2

Riding a flat bottomed boat,

a clear space around me,

I steer a steady course 

on the broad blue river.

Dark rich silt, 

fertilized by ancestors, 

settles to the bottom. 

Limitations bestowed 

by Epilepsy ~ 

as low tree covered shores, 

shape the course of the broad river.

Ancient trees silently line the shores

~ no thought to the river's flow

Has soil been worn away by life?

or strengthened by the steady flow?

Has either happened?

River and trees know not of each other

but their roots support one another ~

A relationship of chance.

My relationship with epilepsy has taught me much.

No matter how deep and strong the currents

of family, friends, career or community run,

I need develop and maintain a healthy relationship

with the river that carries me.

If mistakes and missteps made in this life

have sadly affected that relationship

I pay the price, and 

one or more of you does as well.

If wants and desires pushed me

beyond my limits, 

you and I pay the price.

As this Epilepsy Awareness month 

began with Gratitude

So it will end with Gratitude.

Gratitude for all of you 

    who have roused me from my seizures,

    mending my soul and my body,

    caring for me and accepting me 

as I carry this unusual gift of Epilepsy.

Thank you to all.

“Thanksgiving comes to us out of the prehistoric dimness, universal 

to all ages and all faiths. At whatever straws we must grasp, 

there is always a time for gratitude and new beginnings.”

- J. Robert Moskin

Author's note:  

    Edited Nov. 12, 2023

    Revised August 15, 2024