i.
In another universe, the sky is always the softest blue,
but it rains more often than it does here.
The storms are loud and claim to know all about me.
My thoughts are as tangled as my hair,
and I draw butterflies and flowers all over my arms.
I forget half the ideas that flutter past my grip,
but I remember being passionate about them all.
ii.
In another universe, the wildflowers smell like scented candles.
The city lights blink a little brighter
but take little more than a breath to flicker out.
Late-night imaginings of heaven never end,
while my earth-tied heart sinks along with the sunset.
Shooting stars are kisses blown to me
or the moon’s dripping tears. I can never decide.
iii.
In another universe, one cannot love too deeply,
and staring into space is what captures our avid attention.
People glow when they speak and smiles are forest fires.
I understand the lightning when it cannot find the words to say
and instead strikes the earth in hissing frustration.
Ink stains streak over sunflower petals,
and my fingers are smudged with dried, red paint
in the most unpoetic ways possible.
iv.
From this other universe, I watch the world around me,
strangely, yet securely, safe in the one I created.
I wished for the space to fill when I was younger,
believing it a burden to be on the outside looking in.
But voices have whispered, “I want to see inside your head”;
and it was the moment I let them in
that I saw how tightly my messy world deserves to be gripped.
Perhaps I am on the inside looking out.
v.
There is chaos in every corner of my universe,
and there is little that makes sense to the outside world.
Yet there is inexpressible relief in resting
in the certainty of neither weighing thoughts nor sifting words,
but pouring every one out in prayer, simply as they are—
trusting a compassionate ear to listen,
and a faithful, tender hand to take them up.
What is worth keeping will be kept, and,
with a breath of kindness,
the tainted remains will be swept away.
Cindy Green is a forest-wandering, poetry-scribbling stargazer with messy notebooks and messy thoughts. Despite her love for all of God’s creation, sunflowers and stars in particular have a way of sneaking into both her writing and her heart (but you won’t hear her complaining about it). She is an amateur sword-wielder with a Highland-dancing warrior spirit who also writes letters to the moon and considers the sky her best friend. A focused daydreamer, organized pack rat, and oblivious observer, she is a self-professing ambivert (or a living contradiction) who deeply feels both the beauty and fallen state of the world. Through her words, she hopes to describe the indescribable and form personal connections with people while reflecting a love for her Savior and a passion for everything she touches.
Another masterpiece, my dear Cinders <3
Thank you, my sweet dear 🙂
Any poem with butterflies is automatically a favorite in my book. 😍🦋 I really loved the line, “People glow when they speak and smiles are forest fires.” ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for transporting me to a universe of loveliness like you always do!
*face lights up at your first sentence* They’re definitely one of my favourite bits of Creation ❤ Thank you so much, Mariposa!
*has emotional writer moment TM*
Lovely. Every time I read one of your poems I want to go try free-verse again. 😀
*Immediately has an Emotional Writer Moment (TM)* I’m so happy you feel inspired to write free verse again! I would love to see it. ❤
That was very beautiful and relatable 🙂
Aww, thank you, Audrey 🙂
“my thoughts are as tangled as my hair.” Always. And Cindy, you know how tangled my hair is. 😀 Beautiful work, as always <3
So. Very. Tangled. (Sorry.) 😀
Thank you so much, dear girl ❤
Coming into this, I felt like I could use a poem for today. Now, I want a book! Please write more like this.
Agreed. I would totally buy it.
Aaiieee. You guys are too sweet. 😀
😍 This is sooo pretty, Cindy!!
Aww, thanks, sweet Bethany! *sends a hug because I’ve missed you*
Cindy….
This…. is…. gorgeous.
So beautiful… and so relatable!
*clutches heart* Why do you make me smile so much? 😀
This is wonderful! Please don’t stop writing poetry, Cindy! You truly have a gift for it.
You don’t have to tell me twice 😀 I’d keep poetry around even if everyone convinced me I was horrible at it. *shakes head and chuckles* It can’t escape me.
Such beautiful imagery! Thank you for sharing!
You’re a dear 🙂 Thanks for reading!