Woman In Boots

I have seen her  

wearing steel-toed shit-kicking boots

ready to face the day.

 

Her strength has grown

and she is able to put out a stiff hand

to all the little stuff

that once sent her over the edge.

 

She traps life’s heartaches in her chest

like a small caged bird,

gently handled with grace and wisdom.

When opened,  

it carries the magic of experience

through air.

 

The strength has finally clung to her,

seeped into her daily life

inviting gratefulness and pride

for the little moments of a day,

and the precious heart of

this small family at home.

 

Jennie Linthorst is a therapeutic writing coach and the founder of LifeSPEAKS Poetry Therapy. She works privately with men and women helping them tell their stories and heal, through reading and writing poetry and personal essays. Jennie coaches clients all across the country and around the world via phone, Skype, e-mail, in addition to in person meetings. She is the author of a book of poems, Autism Disrupted: A Mother's Journey of Hope. Her family’s story is captured in the award-winning documentary film, “Autistic-Like: Graham’s Story”.