Hold on

While the need to hold on clings tightly,
the press to release appears more likely.

What is to be gained by balled up fists,
or to be lost by releasing their grip?

Only a life to be loved and cherished,
bonds to be broken, to perish.

Woven together, precious and fused,
torn to tatters, misused.

Beyond repair, an open hand,
reaches out to understand.

Can healing come through reaching,
or does it appear through yielding?

Yield and release what was lost,
take care and hold on whatever the cost.

Brittney Stevenson chooses to participate in many valued occupations including playing piano, running, reading, writing and gardening. Her valued roles include being a mother, wife, daughter, friend, occupational therapist and professor at the University of Missouri. The most consistent loves of her life have been reading and writing. Her first published poem was entitled “Sky” when she was in 7th grade. It was accepted by the “Future Poetry Contest for Young Poets” for youth from 4th-12th grade across three states. She lives in rural Missouri with her partner, kids, dog, cats, plants, books and piano.