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poetry

The Beauty of Friendship

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There is so much beauty surrounding us, when we take the time to look around
I have searched long and far; these are the exquisite things I have found.
A beautiful sunrise that peaks beyond the hills, brings hope to a new day
A thoughtful stranger that gives directions to someone who has lost their way.
A mother bird feeding her young as they cry out with glee
A horse learning how to run, experiencing what it’s like to be free.
A butterfly spreads its wings and reveals an intricate design
A shooting star finally realizing its potential to shine.
The sound of a rushing waterfall as it flows into a stream
The way the clouds come together to form anything you can dream.
The vibrance of the autumn leaves as they change from summer to fall
Waking to the chirping of a robin sending its mating call.
A flower’s first bloom, we’ve gone from winter to spring
All of this beauty and more, true friendship can bring.
The way a friend can be a light when darkness is all you’ve known
The courage to be yourself, for acceptance they have shown.
Realizing how much a good morning message meant
And the smile they give when you forgot where yours went.
Having someone to listen while you ramble on about family strife
The safety of knowing you’ll always have that person in your life.
The joy you feel each time they come around
The blessing of true friendship you have found.
I will forever be thankful that I’ve had you as a friend
And for every milestone you made sure to attend.
Not everyone is as fortunate to have someone near
And even when there’s silence, I will still be here.

~ Jennifer R. W. Vargas

November, 2021

I wanted to write a poem to a friend I felt I was losing. If I only had one more opportunity to express how I felt, what would I say? I’m not sure that I did a good job. I don’t even know how they felt reading it. As it turns out, it was the last time I got to speak from my heart. I’m still not really sure what happened in the end, but I guess sometimes we aren’t the type of friend someone needs in their life. I have to believe that doesn’t mean I’m not a good friend, or someone worth having. I just wasn’t right for them. As painful as it is to love someone so much, there comes a time when it’s more painful to keep loving them knowing they no longer care about you. Trying to heal is the hardest part. I will try to believe a new friendship is out there waiting for me and I will once again find the beauty in friendship.

poetry

NEVER TRULY GONE – A Poem For Widows

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Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables) spoke of having a kindred spirit. Someone you share a meaningful connection with. You don’t have to come from the same beginnings, or even have similar life events, but something draws you together. It can be an event or circumstance, or it can be two people who have similar values or interests that connect you in such a way, it almost feels as if you are the same person.

Photo by Rakicevic Nenad on Pexels.com

Sometimes, you meet someone who changes your life in the best way. Someone you talk to and you feel like you’ve known your whole life, even though you’ve barely met. You can feel what they are feeling even though you’ve never gone through the things they have. It’s almost as if your spirits really do connect.

There was a time I came across someone that lost her husband; I tried to put into words what she must be going through. A long time has passed since his death, but there are days those wounds still feel fresh. I wanted her to know that she is seen, that her feelings are valid no matter how much time has passed, and also, to share these words to hopefully help someone else who is going through the same loss. Dealing with those impossible feelings that eat at the soul and don’t allow you to come up for air. Maybe, for a moment, you feel less alone.

So, on International Widow’s Day, may you have a little more grace shown, a little more kindness, a little more patience and a friend who never gets tired of the waves of emotions life has thrown at you. I can only hope to be that kind of friend to someone who needs a little extra love in their life.

Related Poems: Daddy’s Girl (Loss of dad for Daughter)

Never Truly Gone
I never imagined our time would come to an abrupt end
Some days it really hurts and others I think I’m on the mend.
I only feel okay because I’ve forgotten that it’s real
It comes in huge waves and I haven’t learned how to heal.
Sometimes it feels like the world is moving too fast
While others have moved on, I cannot get past.
My former life was happy, what will a new normal be?
How can I move forward without you here with me?
Everyone is staring, their eyes pierce my soul
Can they see right through? Know that I’m not whole?
When someone offers help are they really being true?
Or just being polite because they don’t know what to do?
Some days that I wake, I wish that I had not
I might never be ready to give love another shot.
This pain is too much to bear, will it ever be less?
Will I pull my life together and not feel like such a mess?
How long is too long to avoid social scenes?
No one understands what losing you means.
Plans for our future were over before they truly began
You were not just a kind person, you were the BEST man.
Some days I think I’m fine, then I break down and cry
I’m still trying to process the ‘how?’ and the ‘why?’
They say “time heals all wounds” and maybe one day I’ll be fine
But I’ll never forget that you loved me and that you used to be mine.
So for you I’ll keep going and I’ll find a way to be strong
No matter how much time passes, in my heart you’ll always belong.
One day the pain will be manageable, I’ll be able to laugh and smile
It doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten, you’re in my thoughts all the while.
I might even believe that grin painted across my face
If I find love again, know you’ll never be replaced.
I know you’d want me to be happy, to find true bliss
I’ll make new memories for all the ones we’ll miss.
For you, I’ll embrace my new life and live without a care
For daylight always comes, after a nightmare.

~ Jennifer R.W. Vargas

poetry

Daddy’s Girl – For All the Daughters Who Have Lost Their Dad

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One of the greatest gifts a dad can give to their child, is just being present in their life. The time dads spend with their children does not go unnoticed. Dad’s can be so fun and full of energy and life. Strong enough to lift you over their head and fast enough to chase you around. Brave enough to go on camping trips and adventurous enough to take you on hikes and go fishing.

father and child having fun
Photo by Tatiana Syrikova on Pexels.com

They say that being a daddy’s girl is one of the greatest things. A man who sets an example of how to be strong yet gentle, firm but kind. Having an unbreakable bond with a dad is so important. Not everyone has that, so if you do, treasure it. Be kind to those who have lost it, for it’s a pain that is hard to bear.

If there’s anything we’ve learned over this last year, it’s how not to take things and people for granted. The time we get to spend with them. The memories we have shared and the hard ways we have had to say goodbye to some of the most important people in our lives.

I know some incredibly strong young women personally who have lost their dads over this last year, and even more before then. I hope this poem I wrote inspired by one of those special young ladies, helps more of you to heal who have lost that irreplaceable man in your life.

I want to encourage you to keep those memories alive, in any way possible. They might even make you feel closer to your dad, even though he is physically no longer with you.

Photo used with permission

Daddy’s Girl

Nothing can quite explain the emptiness of you not being here
Each day I wake up and have to relive my worst fear.
I think about something, I instantly have to share
I pick up the phone, then remember you’re not there.
Who am I supposed to call when my car breaks down?
Who will intimidate my new boyfriend when I bring him around?
Who is going to tell the jokes, no one else thinks are funny?
Or give me advice on how to invest my money?
What about those weekend trips we spent out by the lake?
And all the father-daughter memories I’m supposed to make?
What do I do when Father’s Day comes each June?
Or when people expect me to move on, but it feels too soon?
When will the days not seem quite as tough?
My time with you was simply not enough.
I’m not sure how to move forward, without feeling such grief
Or be mad that cancer took you from me like a thief.
I’ll try to remember all the memories we’ve shared
And how lucky I was, to have a dad that really cared.
The memories we’ve shared, won’t be hard to find
I’ve engraved each one, so they will be fresh on my mind.
There still will be times, where more tears are shed,
But I’ll try not to lose sight of all the life I have ahead.
The lessons I’ve learned will shape the life I lead,
I know you’d want me to live a full life and succeed.
I’ll look after mom, she’s still in good hands
And we’ll still include you in all of our plans.
We’ll visit you often and talk every day
And laugh as we imagine exactly what you’d say.
Know that I love you and that I’ll always remember
The wonderful memories we’ve experienced together.
You’ll always be with me; I’ll carry you in my heart
And even though it seems like it, we won’t feel that far apart.
I’ll find the strength I need, please know that I’ll be fine
And I’ll forever be thankful that you were once mine.

~ Jennifer R. W. Vargas

Related poems: Never Truly Gone (Loss of a Spouse)

A song about a daughter losing her daddy.
Features, Living

‘The Strength of The Bannenite’ – Why You Should Invest In Country Artist Kelleigh Bannen

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There are so many different ways to promote an artist. For record labels, there are radio tours, partnerships, brand advertising… For fans of artists who may not be with a major record label, or with a label at all, who have not been a part of a headlining tour or had a single hit #1, the options are limited.

The biggest websites don’t always cover the music of smaller artists, radio stations more often than not won’t play their music… They really don’t get a fair chance at this whole music thing.

 

One of our favorite “smaller artists” is Kelleigh Bannen. She’s been named one of CMT’s Next Women Of Country and opened for artists like Luke Bryan. We could provide you with an entire article of all her accomplishments, links to all her music videos, lyrics to her songs that touch us the most… but so could anyone.

 

We don’t have an exclusive or interview to share, but those things don’t always work either. Why should you become invested in an artist like Kelleigh Bannen? Instead of sharing with you her accomplishments, I want to share with you the kind of person she is.

 

Her heart is so big and full of love for everyone. She shows true strength in the risks she takes and constantly opens herself up to vulnerability. Instead of sharing with you another song you should listen to (but seriously she did just release an EP called Cheap Sunglasses and it’s amazing), we’ve decided to write a poem, specifically for her so you can see just how special she really is.

 

While we won’t explain the meaning of every line, just think of her as a flower, and the outside factors (wind, weather, water, nature) as the music business and everything it encompasses. She’s someone who stands out, someone who can and will flourish if we take the time to invest in her.

The Strength Of The Bannenite

There are many beautiful flowers in the garden
Clay pots that can crack once they harden.
The sun and the soil help them to grow
Water seeps into their roots, so their petals will show.
Nature is in charge of the seasons; when they bloom
When put on display, they enhance every room.
Their petals will wilt without proper care
Tend to the garden and their beauty you will share.
When a rose bud blooms, there is no greater sight
It’s thorns proof, it’s prepared for the fight.
Behold the sunflower, that grows and stands so tall
No matter nature’s force, she will never fall.
Strong winds may come and the storms crash in
They’re more than “A summer thing til it goes out of fashion.”
The Bannenite is sturdy, can withstand more than you’d think
She doesn’t wilt in the sun, nor the water make her shrink.
Her leaves are radiant, she’s known for her hue
She doesn’t need much tending, she knows what to do.
You won’t need to dress her up with baby’s breath sprigs
Or worry about her delicacy when arranged next to twigs.
She can stand on her own, or be added to a bouquet
Her beauty never lost amongst a large display.
If given the chance, she will enhance every arrangement
She’ll flourish with each opportunity for engagement.
For as much love as you give her, she will return
For another kind of flower, you will not yearn.
You’ll take pride in knowing you invested and cared
And in her beauty and growth you will have shared.

© Jencita Vargas

Thank your Kelleigh, for sharing your life, your heart, your music and your struggles. We will continue to support you in everything you do!