The Smell of Sorrow

Sometimes, we hold plans
with such great importance
that when they become derailed,
our mindsets are not as tough
as we assume,
no, not as tough as spider silk –
they spiral into grottos of gloom
where we keep company
with a suitcase of insecurity.

Indulging in comfort that doesn’t
judge or bicker occurs effortlessly.
The smell of sorrow is overwhelming.

But despite the absence of light,
the sunrise slowly unfolds,
brushstrokes of vivid oranges
illuminate the sky
like a painter brightens a new canvas,
and the experience feels feather-light
as though a burden is lifted.

Our fascination is stirred once again
by a hummingbird’s ability to fly
forward and backwards, sideways,
and even upside down. We hear the
sparrows singing their tales,
and bees buzzing in jubilation.

Sensing the spiritual presence of hope,
we exhale with relief, and we are optimistic
for an extended stay.

Lauren Scott (c) 2021

Photo: sunrise from an early-morning walk

63 thoughts on “The Smell of Sorrow

    1. Thanks for your lovely words, Marina. Yes, we can’t avoid sorrow and disappointment, but there is always hope, even if it surfaces slowly. πŸ™‚ Hugs, my friend. β€οΈπŸ’™πŸ§‘

  1. Jane Sturgeon

    Beautiful poem, Lauren. Your words capture the disappointment of dashed plans and then seeing hope in the wonder that is always there. Much love, always. ❀ xXx

    1. Thanks so much, Resa! And something tells me you’ve read “The Way It Was” unless you randomly brought up Barbra. πŸ™‚ I appreciate your lovely words. Have a good weekend! xo

  2. Latmospherique

    That is a very beautiful and heart-touching poem Lauren.
    Some days are tough and yet there is always hope somewhere. Deception in not a kind emotion to deal with. But we do overcome it at some stage and it can even open on another set up.
    ❀️❀️❀️

    1. Thanks very much, Marie, and I agree with your thoughts, too. We never know what will show on the other side of sorrow. But if we have hope, we will surely find out.
      Have a lovely weekend! πŸ’—πŸ’—πŸ’—

    1. Thanks, Betty! Optimism is always nearby even when it seems like it’s in hiding. Hugs to you, too, and wishing you a wonderful weekend. I’m so glad it’s Friday. πŸ™‚ πŸ’—πŸ’—πŸ’—

  3. I love this, Lauren. This really hit home for me for the times I held on too tight to an expectation and then was disappointed when it didn’t come to pass. I have and am still learning, life goes so much smoother when I let go, allow and trust in a higher plan. Thanks so much for your writings.
    Many Blessings,
    Lisa xoxo

    1. What a lovely comment, Lisa, thank you! I feel the same way as you do which inspired this poem. Even my words hit home a little too close right now, so I’m still trying to let go. I’m so glad you’re enjoying my writing, and I’m humbled. Hugs and blessings, my friend xoxo

  4. 🎼Hold on my child
    Joy comes in the morning
    Weeping only last for the night
    Hold on my child
    Joy comes in the morning
    The darkest hour means dawn is just in sight 🎢

  5. Lauren, an uplifting and inspiring poem reminding us all of the power of hope, its constant faithful presence in our lives, reminding us of the wonder of the natural world and to draw strength from this! It is easy to become derailed, lose one’s momentum … your bright and shining energy through your words is a wonderful spiritual boost! Thank you so much for sharing here! You have a very special talent! β€οΈπŸ™

    1. Thanks so much, Annika, for your lovely, lovely words. I’m truly touched, my friend, and so glad you liked this poem. We all find ourselves and our plans derailed at some time in life, and it’s okay to slip into sorrow, but we can’t stay there. We have to allow the light to pull us out so that we can move forward. Thank you again, dear friend. πŸ’—

I appreciate your thoughts!

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. Log Out /  Change )

Connecting to %s