Posted in love, poetry

Always and Forever

Always and Forever  I don’t know how I forgot about that book. I saw it in the window of a used bookstore last week, stumbling into childhood nostalgia as if jumping into a puddle, both feet all at once, splashed by  flashes of of my mom cradling me in her arms, singing the made up melody to the song in that forgotten book.   I’m amazed I learned to sleep without her hug, without her voice rocking me into dreams, without the comfort of a mother in the room down the hall, amazed I could wake without the gentle coaxing of her singing and the warmth of her arms holding me, assuring me that she’d keep me safe.  Wake up Leanne, wake up Leanne, wake up, wake up, wake up, she’d sing, coaxing my eyes to open, teaching me through song how to fill a room with love, and bright eyed soak it up with the morning sun. I always felt ready for the day, nurtured by her hand in mine, fingers always and forever intertwined until the moment she knew she could let go, taking off the training wheels to my bicycle, and watch me ride alone.   —Leanne Rebecca

I write this poem with extreme thanks for the blessed life that I’ve led, a carefree childhood and loving family. I recognize that Mother’s Day isn’t rainbows and butterflies for many people: mothers that have lost their children, children that have lost their mothers, broken families, reality. Even in my family, there’s an element of sadness on this day. My parents buried their first child when she was 16 months old. This is also the first Mother’s Day since my Grandma Genny died.

It’s easy to forget that many many emotions surround this day and where one family smiles another might cry. It’s important to empathize and take a moment to think about the true weight of this day. I find it allows me to appreciate what I have that much more. I’m beyond thankful to be filled with so much love.

I love you, Mom.

–Leanne Rebecca

Posted in art, Josh Dun Poetry Corner, Music, poetry, twenty one pilots, writing

The Great Ones

The Great OnesI’ve published a Josh Dun Poetry Corner poem every Sunday since mid-April. I love dedicating my work to those that inspire me, especially a band like Twenty One Pilots that gives so much of themselves to their fans. This week, I felt compelled to write a love note to these guys, declaring my admiration in a promise that my support will never waver, even as I explore the talents of other bands, as my life shifts through stages and my interests skate in different directions. A piece of my soul will always live in the beats of their songs and messages of their lyrics.

I feel lucky to have discovered these boys in the days before their music played on the radio, the days when I could tease their tour manager about how much he looks like Captain America, and the days when I could tweet their drummer a poem and know it didn’t get lost in thousands of other messages sent in the exact same second. But even if they don’t see my poetry anymore or if I can’t get tickets to the shows because the price skyrockets and they sell out before my paycheck clears, I will always remain a true fan, thankful and jealous of their talent, and eager to spend money on any and all new music they produce.

Check out the Josh Dun Poetry Corner archives HERE!