It helps to remember I’m only one.
How it stops me from carrying the world
on my shoulders.
Yes, how we are to walk outside
in snow or sun,
wind or rain,
and realise there are ecosystems
that have no need of us.
How that helps us to breathe,
as we sit here with the privilege of
existing,
in a world hardly requiring
our participation,
other than in its preservation.
And how it helps to remember
I’m only one.
In that, out beyond me
and this sun-kissed spot,
are those I care about, living.
They may think of me today, or not.
How its almost beside the point,
for if they don’t I’ve achieved
something,
in the autonomy of self given.
So I relax,
and for an hour between work,
practice letting go.
The wind blows and the cicadas sing.
And out in the gulf
a pod of dolphins follow a school of fish,
gannets in their wake.
How I need them more than they do me.
In that,
I need to know they live.
Ana Lisa de Jong
Living Tree Poetry
January 2023
Living Tree Poetry 
The dept of presence that your poems call me to experience are exactly what I need at this busy time of summer’s beginning…you are a blessing to the world, and her voice in words we can understand…
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Oh Brenda, such encouragement, thank you. We are in different hemispheres but not so far from one another. Blessings.
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Every poem you post brings me right into what you are naming and offering…I thank you for sharing your vivid inner experiences with such words…a gift to the world are each and all your poems…
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I’m so very grateful Brenda, its certainly a blessing to me also to be able to write my heart’s thoughts xx
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Always grateful for your words coming up when I need them
Mrs Dennie Putiputi Davidson (nee: Henare) Music / Maori * *Ngāti Porou Ngāti Hine Ngāti Kahungunu
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Kia ora
I am so blessed to hear that you appreciate my words. That warms my heart immensely. Thank you for reading.
Mauri ora,
Lisa
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Your poem begins the day for me and reminds me of the depth of presence and walking through the world with joyful attention. Your words are truly, truly a gift!
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Thanks Brenda, you are an uplift to the spirit x
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