Upshore with my why’s and how’s
I now drop questions in the ocean,

asking waves of honesty
pray take this sand to open sea .

There is a desert
deep inside me,
thick and empty,
cactus-sharp —
a river trapped and wild underneath.

Let’s call this place anxiety
or search of purpose —
call it shame —
desires craved and lost,
then lost again…

a place I’ve measured time
by every failure :

every “wrong” emotion felt,
to every place I have found out
I wasn’t carrying a child .

And I think
maybe Limón is right
and maybe each of us are meant
to carry something different —

maybe it is more grief or love
than we know what to do with.

Under all this stagnant death
there still is living
hope and love to give :
a river running wildly.

And maybe if I stopped
all this comparing everything,
or all this endless laboring
at things not meant for me
to keep

I could let go —

could let the water
carry
me,

and I could be

enough .

This is obviously a very personal write for me. In this poem I am referring to the poet, Ada Limón, who writes so incredibly on her struggles with infertility in her collection, The Carrying.

Writing and photography by: Katy Claire Funke

Published by Katy Claire

Singer, creative, plant and ocean lover sharing my exploration of the world through music, writing and photography.

26 thoughts on “Enough”

  2. Katy this is just beyond beyond. Even without the footnote yes, it was obvious, the depth of it, the feeling involved, but also so very subtle, so very skillfully written, just an absolute wonder to behold and read. The italicizing and everything perfect also… a perfect perfect poem. I feel honoured to have been able to read it… this kind of work is a rare find. Hugs. xoxo “Lia”/Nadine

    Liked by 4 people

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    1. Lia, I am honored by your very thoughtful comment. 💜 I am glad that the feeling and subtleties also came through to you in your reading. It is not the easiest subject for me to write on, so I really appreciate your feedback as a fellow poet.
      I couldn’t ask for more lovely words. Thank you 💕

      Liked by 1 person

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  5. Thank you for sharing this beautiful, personal and heartfelt poem. True poetry always reaches a deeper level of truth, as you have here:

    ‘maybe it is more grief or love
    than we know what to do with.’

    I think sometimes it is – perfect words 🙏

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. Katy this a beautiful expressive way to tell your story. I am truly sorry. Thank you for sharing with us about your struggles.

    Your poem is so very beautifully crafted with emotional pain described with such depth. I will say a prayer for you. I am sending love, hugs and blessings. 🤗💕❤️Joni

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much 💗 That means a lot coming from someone who understands this struggle. I’m so sorry you know the realities of this, but very happy to connect with you💕 It is definitely a difficult subject to write on, but an important one. I hope to read any poetry you share!☺️ Much love to you as well!

      Liked by 1 person

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