A Little Mix of Everything

Two poems by Lyn Patterson

Gratitude, Detachment, Gratitude

I have solace in being soot
burned brightly
burned to the ground
burned to protect seedlings
I have solace in being dirt
trampled over
trampled on by feet
trampled nutrients packed tightly
I have solace in being dust
forgotten embers
forgotten life remains
swept to new homes, by wind

Daughter of Yemanja

Butterflies eventually return to the cocoon for rebirth
Flowers to the root
I return to the water.

I long to be as gentle as ripples,
as powerful as waves,
and as fluid as the sea.

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Lyn Patterson is a poet originally from Seattle, Washington. After years of youth groups and gospel choirs, Lyn decided at 17 to give up religion for a year, which then turned into five years. During that break she spent time reading the Koran, The Book of Mormon, Tripitaka, and other religious texts; while traveling the world and learning from those practicing. Her current interest and research is in diasporic African religions, and the impact these religions have on dances like hip-hop, salsa, bomba, rumba, and samba. Themes she explores are intersectionality, feminism, identity, non-western religious beliefs, and relationships in the digital age. Her day job allows her to travel while teaching online courses to aspiring teachers. She is inspired by poetry because of the healing and reflection it provides both author and reader.