Tag: family life

Six Word Story (107)

marygracewriting3 Comments

What does the word intimacy stir within you? For each of us it’s probably quite different, and yet the same, with flashes of moments spent with lovers or dreams of the ones we wish had wandered into our lives to stay but didn’t. But is that what intimacy really is?

I have learned it is only a small scratch on this word’s surface.

Intimacy needs have nothing to do with physical love or desire at all. True intimacy between life partners goes much deeper than alone sex could ever take you, and often the intimacy of friendship is much healthier.

It’s something every human soul longs for at our core.

Reaching for it makes us vulnerable.

Vulnerability is terrifying, but without it, true intimacy can never be achieved.

Have you experienced true intimacy? Are you still looking for it?

I would love to hear anything about your experiences and thoughts about it in the comments below. It’s a topic I think a lot about.

Copyright ©2023 Mary Grace van der Kroef

Photo sourced from Unsplash.com

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Available titles by Mary

Linger

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‘Linger’

It once roared loudly
With an abandon that belied the ordinary mouthpiece
It once shone with brilliance
And heat
That even the blind couldn’t doubt
It poured torrential waters across thirsty furrows
To quench loneliness’s deep thirst

Time has changed its face
Its roar is now a purr sounded in quiet corners
Its light has deepened
To a soft amber that heats as slow fed coals
Its waters have slipped deep
Locked within rich earth carpeted with green

It is a love that lingers into the beyond dreams
Infusing every breath with trust
Each morning with assurance
Even tears with hope
As fingers curl around each other
Locked in companionship
And gray hairs sprout to sparkle against tired temples
It is a love that lives

©2022 Mary Grace van der Kroef

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Helping Hands

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‘Helping Hands’

Hands outstretched
Confession            on quivering lips
“I broke it.”
Be it cup or figurine knocked upon the ground
By careless elbows
Compassion leaks from love itself
Dripping into cracks as
Helping hands hold the pieces together
Waiting

Release is gradual
Will it hold?           Is it strong?
In the cup of gentleness
When it’s ready
“It’s okay. We fixed it.”
A young soul learns forgiveness
And trust
When asked to place the treasure
Back home

©2022 Mary Grace van der Kroef

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Six Word Story (82)

marygracewriting2 Comments

I remember my red balloon. It was heart-shaped with ‘Happy Birthday’ printed in white letters across one side.

I loved that balloon.

Unfortunately, my parents’ living room ceiling hated balloons of all kinds.

“Hold on to the sting, Mary.” I was told.

But, In the middle of childhood games and enthusiasm I let the string of go and in a startling second… That balloon burst as it touched the brickly popcorn surface.

Now I have a new balloon. But I have learned my lesson. I won’t let my dream touch that prickly ceiling…

How about you?

©2022 Mary Grace van der Kroef

Photo sourced from unsplash.com

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Stone Driveway

marygracewriting2 Comments

I would test the line
With a toe.
Were the rocks really as sharp as I remembered?
Would they bite as deep as last time?
A deep breath, a dive.
Move fast,
Perhaps it won’t hurt as much this time.

Then,
The coolness of grass.
A softness, refreshing, soothing bruised skin.
Until I was called to cross again.

©2022 Mary Grace van der Kroef

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Egg Salad

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A crunch to spoil the
Creamy texture I spread thick.
Celery, too much.

©2022 Mary Grace van der Kroef

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Grandma’s Somethings

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Something she needed.
Gathering sticks with a clackity clack.

Something she knew.
A rake with handle true.

Something she loved.
Crisp, fresh air.

Something she did.
Feeding burn barrel natures spares.

Something she taught.
God loves you.

Something she chose.
The right voices for reading Oscar the Grouch.

Someone I will never forget.
Grandma.


©2022 Mary Grace van der Kroef

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Reservoir of Tears

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Reservoir of tears
aqueduct of word
release an angry flood
meaning becomes blurred

Bursting opened taps
short vessels made of clay
gushing on the floor
encasement to betray

Floorboards soaked expand
no longer toured with ease
watch out for lilting planks
slowing down our speed

Now in laboured love
mop and pail in hand
reserving wasted words
reclaiming tears unplanned

Together, as a pair
working, side by side
we’ll fix the broken pipes
turn off destructive tides

Buckets brimming full
water garden beds
washing grunge from panes
also grimy heads

Still important words
filled with precious tears
one ladle at a time
preserved for drought years

©2020 Mary Grace van der Kroef

“Reservoir of Tears” originally appeared in Issue II of the Kitchen Sink Magazine.

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Red Lollypop

marygracewriting2 Comments

I think I want a
red one. Wrapped in plastic.
Sticky sugar treat.

Plastic never comes
clean off. Always a remnant
to pick, flick away.

Remember not to
run, paper stick hanging from
a happy red grin.

©2022 Mary Grace van der Kroef

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Leftover Pizza

marygracewriting4 Comments

Like pizza fresh from the oven
A melding of flavors, a comforting texture
In the moment
Satisfying

Like chilled leftovers,
Tasting every vegetable separately
The kick of cold sauce
Heat of chilled pepperoni
Chewy crust that requires a rip while taking a bite.

Happy memory
An expirience enjoyed
Bits and pieces saved for later
Disected
Understood.

Thank God for leftover pizza.

©2021 Mary Grace van der Kroef

Another one just for fun.

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