Merci/Thank You

 On this day, 131 years ago, Canada was formed. Sadly, this birthday has been marred by 440+ forestfires across the vast expanse of this nation. Multiple times, the skies of eastern North America have sootty smokes from the fires burning in NE Ontario and Quebec.

Overwhelming, the local (often volunteer firefighters) and provincial firefighters, as various provincial governments have been forced to ask for military assistance, in fighting the and evacuating the  remote threatened communities.

Even still, over 220+ fires burn out of control. I fear that this number would be much higher and far deadlier, without the global support that Canada has received. From our Commonwealth sisters (South Africa, New Zealand and Australia),  European Union (France, Portugal and Spain), the United States (federal and state level) and the Americas (Brazil, Costa Rica, Chile and Mexico).

Please forgive me, if I have forgotten any country's assistance. 

For this, I give everyone helping my country, a heartfelt thank you/merci. Knowing, in the past that Canada has shared its resources, globally, in fighting other country's forest/bush fires.

The Marmalade Duo (April 12, 2019)

Venus and Squeak (August 8, 2011)

Hello

My old friends

Venus and Squeak.

Thank you

For everything

You’ve given me.

Been 11 years

Since April 7, 2008

Your birth date.

Although

Week would past

Before our first meeting

So long ago.

Over the years

You’re most precious gifts

Have been

Love and healing.

Squeak (March 3, 2011)

Nursing me

Through debilitating migraines

And PTSD flashbacks.

That left me

Virtual prisoner

Within my own body.

And yes

Tears of joy

During the darkest

Of depression.

Laughing

At your silly antics.

Stealing soy milk

From the cereal bowl

Or leaf lettuce

To snack on.

Venus ( June 21, 2011)

Else

Tag teaming

On either side

Of my body.

Pinning me

Unable to move

As you sleep

So angelically.

Please accept

My humble offering

This tin of salmon

On this special day

Your birthday.

Knowing

For the coming nights

And mornings.

My Marmalade Duo

Will hold my bed-hostage

Grooming each other

As I try to sleep.

A small price

That I’m willing

To pay

For your love.

Therisa © 2011 and 2019

My Birthday Present To You (November 19, 2018)

Thank you

New and old friends

Brightening up

Journey of self-discovery/healing.

Celebrating 13th birthday

On November 15th

Twentieth anniversary

Dad's merciful release

From suffering.

Coming out

Being honest

To myself.

Never realizing

Full impact

On my life.

Old wounds

Long suppressed

Emerging-needing confrontation

Before moving on.

Gentle shoulders

Given without asking

Those dark days

Seem overwhelming.

Flashback echoes

Verbal/physical violence

Another lifetime plays

In mind’s eye.

Suicidal attempts

Part of life

Suffering in silent.

Even now

Thoughts are there

The impulse isn't.

Using written words

As medication

For chronic depression/anxiety

And PTSD.

Laying bare

My subconscious

To the healing light.

After long years

In isolated darkness.

Task made easier

With your kind words

And support.

Therisa © 2018

Author’s note: I like to give a shout out, to the latest person, Lona Gynt, who bravery and courage, shared part of herself, with me. Thank you, Lona. Not sure, if I would have done that.