Sometimes I think I can write poetry: two poems by Wendy Westley

popcorn, image by Bruno, on Pixabay

Sometimes 

Sometimes I think I can write poetry, 

words dancing in my brain, 

imagery popping like a jack in the box. 

Surprisingly scary. 

Other times I look at words on canvas, 

dreams blending hues of sapphire 

with silver, 

and the gentlest of star light. 

Everything is beautiful.  

Sometimes there are emotions 

bursting like popcorn 

waiting to be caught 

and joyfully savored.

Memories smudge with the writing; 

they soften and blur with salty tears. 

There are times even poetry can’t dissect 

or tease out the truth. 

A total mystery.  

                     * 

Psalm of Acknowledgement 

You have loved me before time, 

watched over me in my mother’s womb. 

In the incubator, in the hospital, 

in the daily walk of my mother’s lonely fear. 

You have shown your faithfulness in my unlikely survival: 

even in my doubts, my long dark days. 

And now in wondrous ageing, 

even on the days when my shouting joints rebel, 

and my once bright energy gutters and wanes. 

The gifts you still give me are without end: 

there is new life in you, and everlasting friendship. 

Family and unexpected laughter, loyalty, 

and generous love. 

You have birthed in me awe and gratitude. 

Your love and faithfulness are ever with me, 

embracing my soul with tender grace, 

touching my astonished heart. 

Based on Proverbs 3:3 

Wendy Westley was a successful nurse and midwife for many years in the National Health Service, England, and now writes short stories and poetry

in retirement. She belongs to a creative writing group and has had her poetry published in poetry journals and magazines: Pulsar Poetry webzine, Amethyst Review, Spirit Fire Review, Underbelly Magazine,

and The Seventh Quarry Press. Her first book,

Sun hats & staying home, was launched in March, 2025, in the West Midlands, UK.

(April 2026 issue)