RE: Breathe by Becky Hemsley
I just wanted to say, your poem was read on tik tok and for the first time in a long time I felt “seen”
I am a teacher, an assistant head of year, a dog mum and a wife in training and I love all those parts of my life but sometimes I forget to stop, listen and breathe.
This poem means so so much to me especially as a nature lover (thanks to my dogs, I have no choice) but I often find myself feeling content amongst the trees.
I am so inspired, thank you.
Charlotte Baker
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This poem seems like it was written for every woman reading it, but it makes you feel as though it was written for the reader. I loved her style, wisdom, and fluidity. Beautiful prose!
Gina Baldeserri
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I came across your poem on social media few days ago. It lived in me since. It describes my journey, my struggles, my life if you will. Thank you for writing these words. I just shared it on my LI profile as well hoping more women can be touched. Maybe it will bring a resolve to someone – as it did to me.
Renata Constable
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She wrote how she felt
When her life made no sense
When too many layers
Made her feel tense
She helped us to stop
and talk to our heart
Each time we needed
A brand new start.
Thank you Becky
Ellen Dolence
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I have been searching for a piece to frame in a small bedroom reading nook. Nothing I’ve read touched my soul quite like this piece. It was weird how we found each other. Today, I went to walk around the lake in my neighborhood, spotted this garden and wandered in. In the middle of the garden, there’s the most serene spot. I stood in the center of an oasis shadowed by leaves, with a small cascading water feature, watching as the sunbeams danced their way through tree limbs to a bed of grass and soil beneath my feet. The orange hues of the leaves mesmerized me. I stood in the gentle breeze for moments I wished would never cease. It was the most peaceful my soul has felt in months. My breath felt the lightest it has in years. I’ve been in a state of emotional limbo and in that moment I felt the bar I’ve trying to squeeze under lift away. I made it back home and felt a rush of determination. I’ve been delaying everything in my life because I’ve be feeling heavy, confused, pressured, bogged down by work, family, trying to figure it all out. On top of this, I recently moved to Oakland, CA, so my apartment floor is scattered with items to put away, to donate, to gift. (Honestly, I am in a state of fluster with a huge ever growing to do list). Imagine this: I’m sitting crosslegged in the midst of a living room, deciding what to do first. I have frame in my hand, saying, “I will start small and hang this frame.” I grab my laptop and begin my search. I am led to type "breathe” into a google search bar. The first suggestive type is “Breathe by Becky Hemsley.” I indulge, click the first link, and began to read this poem. Tears flood my eyes, as I realize this is my poem.
So I thank you, Mrs. Hemsley for writing, and the other you’s for making it available for my eyes and soul to reach. You have a 26 year old fan. A transplant from Nassau, Bahamas, who some how ended up in California and understands everything is going to be okay.
Dereka Oliver
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P.S. Although greatly appreciated, I am leaving out many very short comments such as “Beautiful”, “Wonderful”, etc. [ed.]
RE: The Diamond way
Dear Frank Thomas Smith:
Thanks so much for re-publishing my essay (from 1989) on “Baseball as Esoteric Ritual!” I enjoy your magazine so much more when it is published one story or chapter at a time. I am still a Red Sox fan.
Esoteric regards,
Hannah M.G. Shapero
Dear Frank,
Once again I am writing to express my thanks for your selfless work in editing and publishing The Southern Cross Review. Your eclectic blend of the spiritual and political, the literary and the humorous, is unique among anthroposophical publications!
Eugene Schwartz