I see a woman at a park near a lake .
A woman gently swaying on a swing...moving forward, yet always moving back as if she is revisiting the past.
A woman moving freely, but tethered to some foundation of life that she cannot fully escape.
Yet, there is some calmness in this structure.
And as the woman swings back, she does so naturally and without any thought.
Her back is to the past, but she can find her way .
She knows the way back.
She knows the way back, yet she cannot fully see what is behind.
She kicks and it seems like she may break away, but alas she returns back.
On occasion she sees something new when she returns.
She stares ahead misty eyed as she listens to the whispers from behind.
In the lakes reflection, I see a 5 year old girl...swinging with a smile...a crooked brow is all that hints of her not understanding...yet she forces her smile...
after all she is just a child.

SWINGING BY PHILIP

Smiles from within, so proud of 'MY' life.
Whispers still echo of my 'CHILDHOOD's' strife.
Inspired and adapting, but 'NEVER' just free.
'NURTURED' myself, in the shadows of me.
Goodness does fail, to lend 'ME' some grace.
Intolerable acts, alone 'WITH' no trac
Numbed and 'NEEDED', in my inner trail.
Giving my children, my 'LOVE' and my smile.

(This poem was written by Philip especially for Pauline)