Friday, May 27, 2011

Friday Flash 55 - "Limitations"

Photo courtesy of One Stop Poetry

Limitations

Success is often
a matter of the heart
longing and reaching
for the "impossible".
Dependence is often
seen as weakness
and often confused
with defeat.
Limitations require
a new approach;
like quicksand's victim,
the known disappears.
Suffering
can be transformed
into victory.
Weakness
can be harnessed.
Adversity overcome
is an inspiration
to us all:  a true
masterpiece.

by Margaret Bednar, with inspiration from Joni Eareckson Tada, Art Happens 365, May 27, 2011

Photo Courtesy of One Stop Poetry - Art Work by Chuck Close

This is for One Stop Poetry's "Friday Poetically with Brian Miller"  The post today is about "Chuck Close", a gentleman who in the late 1980's became paralyzed from the neck down.  Click HERE for a short interview with the artist.  

I hope this qualifies as a poem.  I wrote it as a "Flash 55" for the G'Man's blog "Mr. Knowitall".  A story in 55 words or less.

A book I have read at least 5 times is "Secret Strengh" by Joni Eareckson Tada.  She is a quadriplegic in a wheelchair and has learned to paint while holding a paintbrush in her teeth.  She has written 14 books and I'm sure has inspired millions with her Christian ministry.   I have memorized many phrases throughout her book and use them on my children and on myself when I need a "fix" of strength.  Some of the words used in the poem above are gleaned from the pages of her books.  Words within stories and her pondering that I have internalized for the past 20 years.

* * * * *


These reflections were taken at Sea Pines Forest Preserve at Hilton Head, SC.  The one below I submitted to "Weekend Reflections" #88.  That might be a turtle in the lower right sticking its head out of the water for a few tasty bugs... as there certainly were plenty of mosquitos and bugs to go around!

28 comments:

Brian Miller said...

nice. i think you did great, capturing much of what inspired me about him to use for friday poetically...thanks for the hit on the interview as well...

we do confuse dependence for weakness, but often times, it is a great strength in realising we can not do it alone...

Patricia said...

Hi Margaret, nice to visit you! Weakness can be harnessed... good thought when most people in a wheelchair would feel harnessed by the chair, he clearly finds an escape from many of those limitations through his art.

Claudia said...

Limitations require
a new approach...i love how you say this...just perfect margaret. and i've heard about joni's story as well and think it's so encouraging and we're lucky to be inspired by them.

Rajlakshmi said...

the reflection photo is absolutely stunning :D

Monkey Man said...

This is quite inspirational.

Tashtoo said...

I often wonder if my own compulsion to write would survive such obstacles, and, especially after Brian's Friday Poetically, feel very, very blessed not to have yet have to tempt the fates. I thought your writing here today, poetry/flash fiction...what ever lable works, was a wonderful testament to these people who you have so masterfully presented to us. Really enjoyed the read and the inspiration. Thank you :)

Anonymous said...

"like quicksand, the known disappears" ~ so true on so many levels. What one person would take as a challenge, another defeat ... your 55 illuminates the strength to conquer defeat. Very touching.

Here's mine: Friday Flash 55 ~ Doing Time

Sylvia K said...

Marvelous reflections for the day! Love the first one -- is that straight up or straight down. Terrific! Hope you have a great weekend!

Sylvia

Anonymous said...

make our selves new after suffer makes all things worth while at times

Leckeres für Mensch und Katze - Goodies for a pleasant life said...

Nice reflections.

G-Man said...

Margaret Bednar...
Amazing stuff rolls out of your head!
You always surprise, and NEVER disappoint.
What a beautiful treasure you are to us all.
Loved your 55.
Thanks for playing, and have a Kick Ass Week-End

Victoria said...

You've paid tribute to Close and to so many others who are not willing to give in to disability. Bravo.

Rinkly Rimes said...

The person on the bridge adds a great domension.

Margaret said...

Thank you for the kind comments! I am off to enjoy the Appalachian Mountains with my oldest daughter and her friends! I hope to come back with wonderful photos and new inspiration. But as I am relaxing poolside (after many hours of hiking) I will be enjoying looking over your blogs! Have a wonderful Memorial Day.

Jeannette StG said...

Your reflections could be a painting!

Lolamouse said...

So true. Dependence sometimes takes more strength than many people realize. Excellent One Stop.

Mark Kerstetter said...

What I get out of your poem is that Chuck Close's biggest masterpiece is his life. I would agree with that. In the end art really should inspire us to live our lives better. Thanks for sharing this.

dianasfaria.com said...

cool reflection!
& that 'turtle' might actually be an alligator.

Anonymous said...

i like your poem :-)

JL Dodge said...

This is wonderful Margaret !
Love the photos too !
ENJOY
JL&B

Ruth said...

I think we're most limited by ourselves. Thank you for the inspiration and reminder how much I have and to quit complaining about getting old.

Ginnie Hart said...

I am very familiar with the story of Joni Eareckson, Margaret, but have never read any of her books. Stories like hers are very inspiring, indeed. I love your images of reflections, which fit this post perfectly.

gautami tripathy said...

This is so beautiful..

jingling chains

Rosie Grey said...

Your poem is very inspiring and I also love your photos! Thanks also for the link!

Lisa Gordon said...

Limitations is truly a wonderful work Margaret, and I I love your reflections!!

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Love your poem "Limitations" and the inspiration for its creation.

Beautiful serene reflection, and yes, I do believe that is a turtle looking for a snack. Hope that your time in the mountains was restful, shared with a daughter.

Bises,
Genie

Tess Kincaid said...

Oh, gosh, was your opening photo taken at the Columbus Museum of Art? I am pretty certain I saw it on my last visit. It's done all in thumb prints. Fascinating.

Margaret said...

The photo was not mine so I am not sure where it was taken... Thank you all for enjoying my poem and photography. I think it is a turtle's head as a alligator isn't as "choppy" - they are more streamlined. :)