Submitted by Ali Grimshaw
Light does not fall on us equally.
There are hours of gentle illumination, while some remain in shadow.
Random flashes which leave you for no reason at the front of the line.
Or the end, randomly burned, scorched,
with head shaking disbelief. Tranquil dusk light on leaves.
Other days blinded into paralysis, unable to see a way forward.
I remain in a thundercloud waiting room, counting shadows like minutes.
Weatherizing my soul before the next hurricane.
Steadfast, determined in my stance, for a return of the glow
In stillness it will find me.
Sun’s warm hand on my back again.
This too shall pass
Photo credit: JMW Turner – Buttermere Lake
For the first time in nearly five years, Vita Brevis is closed for submission. Read the full story here.
Vita Brevis Press. 
I liked the phrase “head shaking disbelief” and based on the last line even that disbelief will pass.
We also found the last line to convey a sense of hope, and in context of the rest of the poem, it seems to be the hope that the speaker can endure the various “weather” that will befall her
Bracing oneself for the storms to come and those which pass we hope we are still standing.
The idea of a thundercloud waiting room is inspired and evokes such images. Great line.
Thank you for that feedback. It is always interesting to hear what resonates with others.
Lots of wondrous lines are in this poem, and “Weatherizing my soul before the next hurricane” is visually encapsulating. Ali’s works are quite superb.
Agreed–we are so pleased that she sends us her work!
Thank you Ivor for your reflection and kind words.
My pleasure Ali, and a nice surprise for me today, Vita Brevis are publishing one of poems next Thurs 21st, I’m quite thrilled, it’s really a great magazine and forum for our writings to be represented in. 🙄
I agree. Congratulations on your poem. I look forward to reading it. I think it is a great magazine and I have really enjoyed reading the variety of poems they have been publishing.
Ditto 😆