Author Archives: janetlandis

I think your first word was “No.” Eyes as blue as the Colorado sky, standing with your long blonde hair, fists on your hips. Fierce, and true to yourself, no wind can shake you

Why would I want to bury, Whatever lives within this unique, And beautiful form? Imagine what mysteries might exist, Woven from countless moments, Of love and strength, Of courage and fear? Yes trauma, yes ecstasy, Yes all of it, to create a singular soul, None other than itself. Think of the map that could beContinue reading “Unburying”

There is life beyond this life. There is hope, hidden behind dark clouds. The world where we live, Dies and is born again. If we become still, We feel it’s pulse. A sound in an infinite universe, Existing regardless of ears to hear it. Emitting light, though no eyes may see it. How can weContinue reading “There is life”

You are away. Gone from my sight. My arms reach out, And embrace empty air. My ears strain for the sound of your voice, And there is only silence. I inhale, hoping for the scent of you, But only ashes remain. My fingers strain, For the feel of your soft hair, The smooth skin ofContinue reading “Away”

Your light still shines, When darkness descends. When the shifting winds of time, Catapult me into confusion, Your brightness brings clarity, And strength, To take another step, To find my way. To face the challenges inherent to being. Life is spirit, energy, Never extinguished, only transformed. As you transformed me. Forever changed by your goodness.Continue reading “Your light still shines”

There is a scent, to the night.A taste, sweet and earthy.There is the white light of the stars,And the silver moon.A feel in the air, a sigh,That the day is over.Some creatures sleep,And some are just awakening,To stalk or slither as we slumber.The night is fertile,For growth and dreams.We can embrace it,Without fear, for theContinue reading “Night”

I did some good today. Provided empathy, support and much needed medication. I did some good today. So maybe I can sleep tonight. Give myself the same grace, For being human. For giving my all, For caring. For wanting to provide some ease And comfort as my patients Transition from this life to the next.Continue reading “The End of the Day”

Your brother calls me from upstairs. Heart pounding, I race to reach you. Vomiting, burning with fever, Heart rate too fast, gasping for breath. Snap! Nurses’ brain takes over. Pushes the mother self roughly away. Time slows to a crawl. Calm assessment. Airway, breathing, circulation. A mantra we all learn, Tattooed on the slick foldsContinue reading “Crashing”

No one starts from nothing. We are all shaped and conditioned, We are seeds, brilliant, shimmering sprouts, Weeds and cultivars. We are everything, And nothing. We are love and rage, Kindness and cruelty. However crushed we feel, With the burdens we are given, Each breath is a new beginning. Each heartbeat an opportunity, To raiseContinue reading “Seeds”