Coping Arsenal

I had a pleasant, safe childhood,

loving parents, and orchard,

a home library to read.

Not rich in materials,

but very fulfilling years.

I didn’t witness loss,

but even as a small child,

I knew, grief is sure,

it's a stealthy stalker.

It can ambush anytime,

anywhere it can appear,

one must cushion oneself,

with good coping skills,

and arm with robust self-help,

to avoid falling apart,

when it shows up,

unannounced, uninvited.

That’s why, I embraced painting,

language, voracious reading,

and nature observing,

as my early passions.

With time, I added science,

research, publications,

psychology, and gardening,

hiking, and reflective writing,

to that list, which is growing.

Now, at forty plus,

I’ve faced a string of challenges,

each uniquely and complex,

demanding different approach.

But I’ve never wasted time,

in brooding, blame-game,

self-pity, or shame.

Instead, I applied,

my creative force harder,

learned from my mistakes,

and worked to fix the issues.

I share this in the hope

that it may help someone,

seeking some inspiration.

Build your own quiver,

of coping skills.

They help absorb,

the shock and trauma,

of life’s endless stressors.