Month: September 2022

the pause illuminates all 
that’s come before; 
creation must gestate, a measure’s rest 
empowers hearing to deepen 
into listening, 
it allows our hearts to arrive
at the place where the music has taken us,
holding the notes in stilled 
and settled embrace, 
inviting their beauty to be known 
in lyrical relief
against the absence of sound;

noise without quiet–
movement without cessation– 
task without respite–
these yield only spent energy, 
wasted gift,
and dreamless sleep; oh silence,
heal my pace: ease me into the signature
of your time; hold me in your peace; 
keep me at rest 
till I must sing my new song 
and from all the music of my life, 
make meaning.

All along the trail these past few weeks, nature’s revealed her readiness to set and release her seeds back to the wind and earth, before she settles down for her own period of rest and regeneration. It’s made me realize that while–for most people–the pandemic was initially a long enforced rest, for me it was quite the opposite, my writing having “gone viral” in early March, 2020, and the ensuing invitations, requests, connections, full schedule, etc., has kept me VERY occupied rather than at rest. So, it makes sense to me, I suppose, that despite the pandemic’s persistent presence, it’s safer management and the availability of better protection have caused most of the people I know to re-engage with the world with all that pent-up energy, while I am exhausted and ready to be at rest for a good, long period.

I will continue to post from time to time, but with no enforced regularity. Other writing is simmering and bubbling away, and I choose to spend more time in my quiet, private creative kitchen for now.

I am so very grateful for those who have visited The Daily Round and taken time to share their responses over these past few years; you have enlightened, inspired, and comforted me greatly. Gentle Peace.

© Copyright of all visual and written materials on The Daily Round belongs solely to Catherine M. O’Meara, 2011-Present. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited, without the author’s written approval. No one is authorized to use Catherine O’Meara’s copyrighted material for material gain without the author’s engagement and written permission. All other visual, written, and linked materials are credited to their authors. Thank you, and gentle peace.