The Turtle Spirit

I received some very positive feedback about my last poem. So I thought I would post another one. (I just wrote it tonight.)


The Turtle Spirit
Written by David Douglas

The turtle is my spirit animal and it’s easy to tell
I have scars from the world visible on my shell
A fondness for water is also a clue
Not just the liquid, the astrological too
I know what it’s like to be flipped on my back
And how hard it is to get back on track
My movement is always cautious and slow
And I find it best to go with the flow
That’s not to say I can’t make decisions
But I rely mostly on my intuitions
My home will forever be found inside
It’s also a place I can retreat and hide
Like the turtle I adapt to varying conditions
Whether on land or water, I have faith in the heavens
A jade turtle I wear around my neck
An everyday reminder for my continual trek

How My Heart Functions

This afternoon, words began shuffling around inside my head. So in accordance with one of my personal goals for 2011—which is to "spend more time on creative and inspirational things," including writing more often—I decided to write them down. The words freely flowed out of my mind, almost saying, "Thank you for releasing us." The result: a poem! I know! Strange, right? I don't write poetry. I don't even read poetry. But, nonetheless, I had, in fact, written a poem. So I figured I would share it with my readers.

Since today would have been the 90th birthday of one of my favorite actresses, I will dedicate this poem to Giulietta Masina.


How My Heart Functions
Written by David Douglas

There's razor wire around my heart for protection
But there's also a lock, waiting for the right combination
One day the lock will open
Or is that just my heart hopin'
I'm not trying to show too much emotion
I must have been given a love potion
The lock cannot be pried or sliced
It's not a game, though you could be diced
What's needed is a gentle hand with the right touch
But maybe that's asking too much
No one wants to put in the effort
But my heart would appreciate the comfort
Because one time someone showed affection
But left before finishing the combination
Now my heart has been nicked and is bleeding
But it has hope and will keep on beating