Some people say I am strong
In the way I’m dealing with my cancer
But they have not seen me in my weaker moments
Moments of dealing with shock and confusion
Moments of what ifs…
Moments of sorrow
Or perhaps that’s all part of one’s response
To the traumatic events in life
And there is no contradiction
After all, we are human
We can feel disheartened
We can get caught off guard
We need to grieve
We can’t always be strong
January 10th, 2023
These are extraordinary times
These are days of solidarity
When people put their lives on the line
For freedom of thought
For dignity
For truthfulness
For Justice
For equality
These are unprecedented times
When young and old are united
And speak with one voice
These are terrible times
When young people and children are sacrificed to uphold an ideology
The price they are paying is very high
The grief their parents and their supporters feel is immense
But their blood will water the plant of freedom
These are hopeful times
Because a nation has come together
Discovered the power there is in unity
And is marching on a path that leads to freedom
These are important times
The world has heard the cry of the people of Iran
And is arising in solidarity and protesting in the streets
To ensure the freedom of the people of this land
These are formative times
A new system based on respect for all
Based on diversity of thought and belief
Based on fundamental human rights
Is being forged
These are extraordinary times
Women are in the forefront of change
Their valour is on display
They are tired of the status quo
They are the freedom fighters of today
October 12, 2022
Tears run down the cheeks of the world
Her brow is knotted with anguish
Another injustice
This time against a young woman who was innocent
Why did she have to die?
How long will these tribulations last?
When will equality and justice return?
When will the pain that is felt be alleviated?
When will joy return?
I think the road ahead is long
Change doesn’t happen over night
But we must keep our hopes up
We must march on despite the trials
We must focus on the good that is happening
Work for the betterment of our community
Collaborate with like minded people
And stay steadfast until freedom is achieved
September 18th, 2022
Remembering Mahsa Amini
Lives lost
Games played
Risks taken
Show of force
Missiles fired
Human error
Devastation
Lives lost
Youthful lives taken away
Children’s lives stolen
Families mourn
A single red shoe
A reminder of the passengers onthe plane
The cockpit riddled with shrapnel pieces
Evidence of the missile fired
Countrymen on both sides of the Atlantic weep
They light candles
And talk about their friends and family
People who had plans for their lives
There is also anger
Anger at incompetence
A few decisions
Having taken these innocent lives
Anger that we still use war
To problem solve
We play with people’s lives
As if they are dispensable
Lives lost
Grief abounds
I don’t think time will heal these wounds
September 13th, 2020
“Separation brings with it burning grief”
The loss of a loved one
A friend moving away
One’s children moving out
These things can cause us immense sadness
This is the way of our world
This is how we see things
If we think of physical separation
In the world of the spirit, though
We are close
We never leave one another
I will focus on our spiritual reality
When I feel sad about the loss of a friend
Or their moving away
We are always close in spirit
Separation has no meaning
May 2nd, 2019
I don’t like crying, nobody does
Emotions are raw
There is grief involved
Or confusion
Or misunderstanding
My eyes sting
My face contorts in ways
That I don’t want
But I’ve noticed that
After the tears, there is a calm
That overcomes me
Some of the sadness leaves
Suddenly the world is not as harsh
Grief is not as backbreaking
And a glimmer of hope appears
The tears have washed
Some of the sadness away
The dam of emotions has opened
And relieved the pressure the was built up
Tears, like many unpleasant things in life
Lead to clear skies and
The return of the sun…
Lida Berghuis
August 26th, 2015
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