18 Comments
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Moira's avatar

A beautiful poem, Mary. I love the image of pressing words into palms, like a talisman. Something we can hold onto, to grasp— that becomes part of us, like a fingerprint. Sunshine and resilience—light filled words to take with us into these lovely July days.

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Mary Poindexter McLaughlin's avatar

Such a gracious comment, Moira, thank you. Talk soon... xox

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Michael Warden's avatar

Thank you for your courage and inspiration Mary, love your words as always. I too have come to love this virtual community - it started as a place where I could express and share some thoughts, but through people like your good self, it has become more than that.

"To hold a pen is to be at war" Voltaire.

See you in August!

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Mary Poindexter McLaughlin's avatar

Thank you, Michael. So grateful for your presence. Love that Voltaire quote!!

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Visceral Adventure's avatar

It’s gonna do your soul so good to get away! I’m barely keeping any digital tabs these days. Coming into substack once a day to add posts in a cue before they get buried in an avalanche. But otherwise spending the days talking to the Black Sea and listening to what it whispers back.

Your poem hit home with me. As always. Your poetry is just next level. Melt into the physical, my dear! See ya in August. I’m also back Stateside then. ❤️

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Mary Poindexter McLaughlin's avatar

Can't wait to get a full report on all the Black Sea murmurings. Massive hugs, friend!

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Kathleen Devanney. A human.'s avatar

Lovely, I wish you the very best while recharging!☀️

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Barbara Sinclair's avatar

Oh, Mary. Your poem hit me on so many levels. Thank you for sharing it with us. I hope you enjoy your time away from this whacky virtual world. I'm typing this with a pinched nerve in my neck, hurting eyes, and carpal tunnel wrists - my body seems to be asking me to do the same. :) 💚

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Mary Poindexter McLaughlin's avatar

Barbara! I'm so sorry to hear you're hurting. Yes, listen to what she's telling you. She knows. Much healing light coming your way...

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Barbara Sinclair's avatar

Thank you, Mary! xo

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Ronnie Rocket's avatar

Thanks, Mary, for the parting words, so to speak. I liked your poem. I'll miss you, but will look forward to your return. This writing gig is "where it's at" for you, so I know you'll be back. Hey, here's a song for you:

Return Again

Shaina Noll

Return again, return again

Return to the land of your soul

Return again, return again

Return to the land of your soul

Return to what you are

Return to who you are

Return to where you are born and reborn again

Return to what you are

Return to who you are

Return to where you are born and reborn again

Return again (return again)

Return again (return again)

Return to the land of your soul

Return again (return again)

Return again (return again)

Return to the land of your soul

Return to what you are

Return to who you are

Return to where you are born and reborn again

Return again (return again)

Return again (return again)

Return to the land of your soul

Return again, return again

Return to the land of your soul

XOX

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Ronnie Rocket's avatar

Hey Sunshine, here's a link to the song on youtube, just in case you see this. I think you will really like it. xox https://youtu.be/KkxWD2p9cxs

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Mary Poindexter McLaughlin's avatar

Love, love, love it. I haven't heard it in years, and it's so perfect for me right now, for many reasons. Damn, Rocket -- you're always right on the money.

And yes, I'll be back. 😊

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Cathy Whelehan's avatar

This was so beautiful to read this morning Mary and so true. Blessings on your time in nature and solitude and physical connection with other beings.

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Mary Poindexter McLaughlin's avatar

Thank you, Cath! Love ya, soul sister. xox

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The Critical Middle's avatar

Yes, you are! Have a wonderful, regenerating vacay.

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Jack McNulty's avatar

Enjoy your time away...

Enjoy each human who is blessed to cross paths with you...

Enjoy the mountains - and all of the beautiful surprises hiding there...hiding and just waiting to be discovered...

Peace ✌

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Mary Poindexter McLaughlin's avatar

Beautiful. I will. Thank you, Jack 🙏

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