Photo courtesy of Pixabay

The Knew Kid

Who Knows . . .

I needed a moment to just wander and roam,
A break from the chaos, a break from the phone.
I needed a moment to just clear my head,
This year had been heavy, a constant of dread.

So, I took off my lunch break and made my escape,
From the computer that I had now come to hate.
My soul felt amiss, a disconnect from my life.
My dreams were now fading, my hopes now in strife.

I was beginning to think no one could compare,
With the pain I was holding, don’t break, don’t you dare.
I walked out the door knowing just where I would go,
The zoo was the place I knew my heart still would know.

So I walked these paths looking for what, I’ve no clue,
But then walked by this kid who said here’s looking at you.
I stopped and turned with a pull unexplained,
To see this goat looking back like he knew all my pain.

I stood on the sidewalk as crowds passed me by,
Watching him watch me, face to face, eye to eye.
He looked at me knowingly as if that could be,
Shaking my head, I confirmed that’s crazy.

How could this goat, one I’ve never seen,
Know anything at all about human me.
Man, I have lost it to think such a thing,
That this animal knows what burdens I bring.

I shook it off again and started to go,
Yet still wondered what truths the animals know.

Life for Stock via freepik

Just a Thought

This fun piece was dreamed up in response to a picture prompt flash fiction challenge from my friend, Jimmie Bise. His Friday challenges were to be presented under 250 words, yet I always aimed for 250 words exactly. I bumped the difficulty up by chasing poetry over prose.

This collection of stanzas also encapsulates my fascinations with word play, while still bringing a real element to the table. The places our imagination goes when we are burnt out on work. Enjoy!

My Favorite Heartbeats

Just for You

“Look at animals kindly and they will see; talk to animals gently and they will listen.”
~ A. D. Williams

2-10-26 SLC AUTHOR2

Shannon Leach is a creativity coach and freelance author who believes hard chapters are not the end of the story. As she chases words and light across multiple genres, she tells transformational stories that explore the rocky path from struggle to redemption. Her work has been featured in Guideposts books and devotions as well as multiple Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and is the founder of the nonprofit The Fostered Gift.

Read More of Shannon's Story

Tell Me Your Story

guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

0 Comments
Oldest
Newest

Continue the Search

Looking for more stories and adventures? No matter which way you go, I pray the next set of words will be exactly what your heart was looking for.

What it Takes

We have no problem knowing we should be kind to those less fortunate. But what if your definition of the least of these is wrong?

Not Just Tired

Are you tired? This word is a common sentiment in our language and in our lives. What does tired mean for you?

The Reason

Many times we try to make the reasons for our faith long and complicated. But the truth is actually very simple.

My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Colossians 2:2-3 NIV

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.comThe “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Subscribe for More
ARH 2023 LOGO BLACK LETTERING