About Me

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Delta, British Columbia, Canada
I took very early retirement from teaching in '06 and did some traveling in Europe and the UK before settling down to do some private tutoring. As a voracious reader, I have many books waiting in line for me to read. Tell me I shouldn't read something, and I will. I'm a happy, optimistic person and I love to travel and through that believe that life can be a continuous learning experience. I'm looking forward to traveling more some day. I enjoy walking, cycling, water aerobics & and sports like tennis, volleyball, and fastpitch/baseball. I'm just getting into photography as a hobby and I'm enjoying learning all the bits and bobs of my digital camera. My family is everything to me and I'm delighted to be the mother of two girls and the Gramma of a boy and a girl. I may be a Gramma, but I'm at heart just a girl who wants to have fun.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

S is for SAFETY

Because I grew up in a dysfunctional and abusive family environment, I still often feel anxiety even if I logically understand that there is nothing to fear. So it got me wondering what it means to truly comprehend safety or security. As my poem acknowledges, a bird builds a nest for her babies high up in a tree so she can stay nearby and scare away any intruders. Near schools, crosswalk guards, in brightly coloured red and yellow vests, keep students safe as they cross the streets. Within the confines of home, one can sit down in the afternoon with a scented cup of tea and listen to music - or silence - and feel the warmth and coziness of being surrounded by loved ones. When a baby is born, it is immediately wrapped up tightly in a warm flannel blanket and put into the arms of its mother. Instinct on both sides should kick in with mother feeling responsible for her child's security, and child knowing it's safe in its mothers arms. Sometimes we prefer steak, but a homemade plain meal can give us a sense of security even more, knowing it was prepared by loving hands who worked hard to provide. Finally, home should be a haven whether it is small or large, ordinary or grand. I am grateful to live in a part of the world where poverty and war is something far away and I can give practical assistance through charities and relief organizations. However, now I know that I am now safe and secure from those situations that, as a child, scared me.

SAFETY

Safety is the brown of a bird's nest.
It looks like a red and yellow neon vest.
It sounds like a sigh in an afternoon's rest.
It smells like talcum on a baby newborn.
It tastes like meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and corn.
It feels like the third pig's house made of bricks.
Safety is a pin that will not prick.

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15 comments:

Powell River Books said...

I guess I was very lucky. I always felt safe and secure growing up and now as an adult. - Margy

Roger Owen Green said...

My goodness, Leslie, you are such a strong, fascinating woman.
Anyway, great narrative and nice poem, but the cartoon really cracked me up; the Commodores would be leased.

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Reader Wil said...

I felt safe within the family circle
and that is the most important fact in life. Even in the concentration camp I felt safe because my mum was there. I agree with Roger that you are a strong and fascinating woman, and I really liked the cartoon. Your post is great!Thank you.

anthonynorth said...

Beautifully expressed. A feeling of safety is so important.

Meryl said...

I love your poem and how you used the cartoon. Great "S" post (as usual)

Jane and Chris said...

Another great post from your heart.
Jane x

EG CameraGirl said...

Love the line "It feels like the third pig's house made of bricks." Well said, Leslie

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

Yes, what you say is so very true. And, children have no advocates that can spare them from cruel and unjust acts of adults-often from family members themselves.

ChrisJ said...

I identify with everything you say, Leslie. I inherited clinical depression and anxiety, genetically. Being raised in a psychologically disfunctional family certainly didn't help. I am eternally thankful this Thanksgiving time that I have had a wonderfully supportive husband, sons and medical help these past 40 years so that today I can recognize the fantasy fear from the reality of what is. Today my life is balanced--and safe.

Karen said...

I know the feeling of finally being safe Leslie. I like your poem.

Hildred said...

Leslie, I hope your feelings of confidence continue to grow and that you always find safety and serenity.

Chubskulit Rose said...

I think that's the worst thing that anyone can feel if you don't feel safe within the family. We did not have many things growing up but my parents made us feel so safe.

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

You have conveyed your feelings very well.

Shrinky said...

Ahh, I am so glad you made it safely out through that scary, uncertain beginning. We are all a composite of our experiences, I often find those who've had a difficult journey to reach their sanctury, usually turn out to be the kindest, and most empathatic amongst us. ((x))

Anne in Oxfordshire said...

Hello my dear friend. You are a very strong lady ..like I am always being told too. You have been there for your girls. .you have had tough times. I know your stories and you know mine. ..I have never felt loved . I lost my dad when I was 10. Breaks my heart. Sending you a big hug. Xx