To Find Healing – a poem by Janet Krauss

To Find Healing


in the morning glories as they awaken
each day within a blueness that startles the sky,
accepting their closure at dusk knowing
they will open again when  the ascent
of dawn releases the burden of darkness,
taking a loved one’s hand as it brushes
mine and keeping its message
secured  in my inner eye,
letting a child guide my crayon over
her picture blending the colors together,
remembering Homer’s Penelope as she weaves
her father-in-law’s shroud and unravels
it each night only to begin again
the next day, saving him from death
and herself from the ravages
of the suitors rumbling in their quarters,
walking by the sea as it effortlessly
rolls over and over itself as I breathe
in its persistent perseverance.

Janet Krauss, who has two books of poetry published, Borrowed Scenery, Yuganta Press, and Through the Trees of Autumn, Spartina Press, has recently retired from teaching English at Fairfield University. Her mission is to help and guide Bridgeport’s  young children through her teaching creative writing, leading book clubs and reading to and engaging a kindergarten class. As a poet, she co-directs the poetry program of the Black Rock Art Guild.