By Christine Parcells
My Mental web
I see the spiraled web in which I’m caught
A familiar maze fragile, yet taut
Its grip is sticky, not easy to shake
I felt its grasp at dawn’s first wake
As much as I resist and ponder
I fear not far I wander
The mental depths indeed complex
Thoughts twist and turn; they oft perplex
While through this pen, as I profess
The grip does linger a little less
The shadow lifts a little more
One step closer, towards that door
My arm is free, a leg, now two
Breathe, keep going — you’ve made it through
Silver linings
The gentle rain, a sound’s delight
Melodic dancing, so soft and light
Sweet chorus from the bird’s dear song
That peace and calm for which I long
The sky is grey, the air slight chill
Yet my spirits rise, my heart does fill
Beauty remains, this earth will heal
Through love and care, our souls must feel
Deep breaths, be still. With you, I stand.
Two feet, one heart upon this land.
Deep breaths, be still. We carry on.
Tonight, tomorrow, each day’s new dawn.

Christine Parcells is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and works in learning & development. After years of exploration around the world and through studying — she is now exploring the inner joys of creating through writing, art, and cooking.
I started writing poems shortly after lockdown started in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. When I found myself feeling anxious, I started writing and could feel the sensations start to melt away. Anxiety is complex and captivating. When I honored that and approached the feelings with awareness and curiosity, the power of those sensations decreased. It has been a calming creative outlet in these worrisome times and I hope my words can resonate with others.
These are beautiful! I would love to work with composer Kendra Harder to set “Silver Linings” to music for voice and piano. Would I be able to find out more regarding rights and copyright? If possible, I would love to speak to Christine Parcells directly.
Excellent and insightful