Ripple (poem)

All copyright remains with the author. No use of any kind is permitted without express written permission from Melanie Heard.

My heart has a lake in it. And for decades, it was full. Full. Of life and joy. Constantly moving. Deep blue waters reaching the shore. Each time celebrating, Then receding Before swirling around And finding another new Place to land.

But then…

My lake was made quiet. Forced. Cut off from the people And things That gave it life and Made the water dance.

It became rancid. Foul. Reeking of sorrow. Angry. And longing for movement.

Then…

You gave me permission To drop a tiny stone in the very corner.

And that stone made wider circles. Slowly ricocheting Ripples Bigger Reaching farther Gradually

Until…

Just for a breath It felt like my heart again.

But now, the lake must be still Must freeze. Must stop.

You told me to turn it all off. To shut it all down.

Yet it’s impossible now. Because my tears plummet like boulders.

And the ripples continue.