During and After

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry
Photo taken by my son in Colorado

branches
weighed
down
like
shoulders
from
burdens

leaves
chilled
from
air
that
bites

frost-filled
ponderings
surrender
to
the
freezing

How much mettle
is needed to push
against the bulk?

a
defeated
soul
shivers
from
trickles
of
a
chill

but the weight
eventually eases

anguish doesn’t live
in an endless state

breathing always
finds its place

with reasoning

for reassessing

during and after the mess.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks for dropping in, and if you’re struggling during
this holiday season, I hope you find comfort from my words. ❤️

We miss Copper this holiday season, but
we’ll find comfort in the photos of him by the tree,
wearing a Santa hat, or snoozing by the fire.
If you’d like to order a copy, or know someone
who would find comfort in this special collection,
please click on the link. Thank you. xo

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
Author and poet, Lauren Scott, enjoys small-town living in the Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Their adult son and daughter live out of state, and with frequent visits and technology, the family of four remains close. Lauren has published four poetry collections, a memoir, and her first children’s book. Her latest poetry collection is a tribute to her family’s Chocolate Labrador who crossed over the Rainbow Bridge in spring 2025. Lauren is a recent Pushcart Nominee and has been a guest on several podcasts. Her writing is featured on Spillwords Press where she was voted Author of the Month and garnered Publication of the Month awards. She is a contributing author in several anthologies, and her work is also shared on Gobblers and Masticadores. Her muse discovers inspiration from her family, spending time outdoors, reveling in simple things, and marveling at the mysteries of life.

79 thoughts on “During and After”

  2. Willie Torres Jr.'s avatar Willie Torres Jr.

    Such soft, honest words, Lauren… Truly Wonderful …

    Love the picture too, but I must admit, it gave me the shivers ❄️😂

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much for your wonderful words, Willie. I truly appreciate them. It’s been cold here in California, but not as cold as in Colorado when our son took a few photos. When I saw this picture, the words just came. Thanks again and have a great day. 🙏🏻❄️

      Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Annette! I really appreciate your beautiful words. Our son took this in Colorado, but I’m sure it’s very similar to Michigan. I can’t imagine how cold it is there because we’re feeling the cold here in Northern California. 😁 Thanks again, and stay warm! 💝

      Reply

    1. Thanks for your lovely words, Maggie. When I first saw this photo, the first verse immediately came to mind, and then the rest flowed. I’m glad you found this poem to be inspiring. Sending lots of hugs and love to you. 💞❄️💝🌻

      Reply

      3. First, things are falling into place with my dad. He’s coming to grips with selling his home and moving into assisted living. I’m helping with that this weekend. He’s 94 in January! Then we had a bad situation that is straightening out that I can’t write about yet, but it’s all working out. Next on the agenda is taking our kids on vacation for Christmas! YAY!

    1. Thanks so much, Steve. When I saw this photo from our son, the first verse came to me right away. And then the rest followed. I always think of those less fortunate or living on the streets. Thanks again, my friend. ❄️

      Reply

  23. Your words are truer than you know, Lauren! A friend of mine, who earned his Ph.D. in mental health research, confirmed that the negative emotions associated with a mental health crisis generally dissipate in two weeks. I’ve seen this happen with patients. If people can hang in there and ride the rollercoaster, things do get better. And if they don’t, professional help is available.

    Reply

  26. Thank you for sharing your comforting poems Lauren. We need wisdom from time to time. And it’s refreshing to know that pain will ease with time and life will take over. Sending you love for a peaceful and beautiful day 🙏🏻!

    Reply

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