The Other Side Poem by L C Vieira

I wrote these volcano poems (this one, Erupt with Life, Volcano Hope Haiku) when I wanted to express my prayers and thoughts for someone inspirational who discovered she had cancer. The battle was beginning for her. She's that rare person you're lucky enough to meet who adds spark to another's day. You find yourself smiling when you didn't expect to. What can you say to someone like that - a busy leader, a powerhouse of enthusiasm and caring - when she needs the encouragement, the hope? I tore up two or three cards with some of my sorry attempts. Then I noticed the postcard laminated, resting on my bedroom window pane. Perhaps it was there to remind me each day of what I'd come through. It was from Hawaii. It was beautiful with its bright threatening orange over the all powerful black rock. In the distance were the promising green hills of life. I knew Hawaii was a place she wanted to visit. I knew she needed us to keep holding her up through this other journey. I feel at times I need to write it out for her - or me, I don't know. Perhaps poetry is a concise journal. We journal through our conflicts and struggles. One day we may look back at how much we hoped and got through. Hope is a great gift.