My neighbor carefully paints the edge of her car’s trunk with white out because the too-small-to-notice scratch interrupts her well-manicured desire for perfection Another neighbor tosses water balloons across the spring lawn to her daughter because the beaches are closed and they yearn to feel the surprise of water splashing on skin My elderly neighbor … Continue reading Watching the Neighbors
Tag: Poems
Why Wait?
The extra week between Thanksgiving and Christmas allowed me to settle on goals for the upcoming year a little earlier than usual. And now that I'm committed to them, I kind of want to get started instead of waiting for January 1 (or 5th, the day after my birthday). The motivation and inspiration I'm feeling … Continue reading Why Wait?
Signs of Change
Seasonal changes are subtle in southern California, but they do exist. Cooler evenings have finally arrived--there was even a bit of rain this morning. The most reliable sign that summer/fall is transitioning to fall/winter is the growing number of liquid amber leaves falling onto the patio. Fallen leaves signal changes to come as we … Continue reading Signs of Change
“These Are Not Times to Hide”
I've been so overwhelmed lately. Overwhelmed by the violence. Overwhelmed by the hate. Overwhelmed by both the "ends justify the means" political rhetoric of the man who sits in the White House and the complicit silence of Republican leaders in response. I'm an introvert, so my natural tendency when overwhelmed is to retreat. But as … Continue reading “These Are Not Times to Hide”
Tired from the Week? Try Being Still.
It's Friday and I'm tired. On days like these it's hard to write, hard to do anything except (a) think about when I may be able to fit in a nap or (b) find a quiet place to watch nature do its thing. When I take the time to be still, I experience some pretty … Continue reading Tired from the Week? Try Being Still.
Releasing the Rage
I learned to suppress my emotions at an early age. My mother was a master at such suppression and I was determined not to replicate my father's explosive temperament. For too long, women have been criticized for being "too emotional," as if passionate feelings are a bad thing. Such criticism continues to be a primary … Continue reading Releasing the Rage
Only a Survivor
In April of 2018 I published an essay about a sexual assault I experienced in college and why I stayed silent about it for 40 years. This was long before the topic of sexual assault became so politically charged. I shared my story because I wanted to let other silent survivors know they are not … Continue reading Only a Survivor
Cathy Standiford 