Pain is part of life. It’s a necessary evil- helping us grow in wisdom and strength.
How often do we wish to avoid difficulties- wrapping them in cotton wool or avoiding them altogether? This poem is a reflection of such foolish wishes.
If only I could walk my talk
along the promenade of life
I would talk my walk into being…. a totem of memories – l feel and see
If I could meander life’s puddles
gingerly side-stepping potholes
strewn before meI would declare this totem a victory
If I could block sore memories
weaving in only that in which I believe
I would be falling and failing
beautifully ensconced in totem reveries
©Vivian Zems
Smell The Coffee 
August 1, 2019 at 8:02 pm
a totem of memories – I like that so much! And a victory totem – how wonderful. I think you have erected a wonderful victory totem.
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August 1, 2019 at 8:05 pm
I love the way you begin with ‘a totem of memories’ and end with ‘totem reveries’, Viv!
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August 8, 2019 at 1:40 pm
Thanks Kim!
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August 2, 2019 at 4:04 am
Totem reveries, I still remember our drive through the totem lined streets. It wasn’t a dream, I think it was either in Canada or Alaska, but I cannot be sure. But I remember going there. I like your reversals, I’m staying with the walking bit right now, doctor has me using a cane.
..
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August 3, 2019 at 2:21 am
Vivian, I have only now discovered that my comments are not posting, on your site, and three others. I am going to try again using facebook, and hope that works. So frustrating. I love the whole idea of talking your walk into being. That is very cool. It would be great if we could avoid the potholes! I especially love your closing line, “beautifully ensconced in totem memories.” My apologies for how long this comment took to reach you.
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August 8, 2019 at 1:40 pm
No worries, Sherry. My apologies in the delay in my reply. Thank you 🙂
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August 3, 2019 at 12:06 pm
I like the way you keep coming back to the totem, believing in it but unsure how quite how to carve it, at what center of the life it should be mounted. A lifelong task; keep up the good work.
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August 3, 2019 at 6:16 pm
This is a lovely poem Vivian. We all need our totems.
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August 3, 2019 at 6:47 pm
There is something very self-contained in a totem pole, some secret knowledge for the enlightened soul to contemplate.
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August 5, 2019 at 5:07 pm
I feel like this catches both the feeling of the totem as well as the dream catcher. The totem as those protectors of memory and the dream catcher that safe guards reverie.
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August 8, 2019 at 12:56 pm
Thanks Lori
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