When a Photo Wants to Be a Poem

Thank you, Margaret Simon for today's This Photo Wants to Be a Poem, and the quote from Asclepius, "Help me shed the skin of grief and put on the armor of hope."

I was inspired by the Healer title on the oracle card. I decided to dive into the what and why of a snake icon. I found the "symbol, the Rod of Ascelepius, has been associated with health care since the 5th Century BC." (National Center of Medicine) With thoughts of healing, I am ready to revive my mind, body, and spirit by nurturing myself physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Margaret, the following golden hinge poem slid from my thoughts and onto this page. I read and reread my words until I realized that my poem is a prayer from my heart to God.

Help me shed the skin of grief.

Me, finding my way,
sheds tears of sorrow.
The weight of loss is heavy. My
skin shivers in darkened moments
of unresolved sadness.

Grief flows, slides away, returns, so I pray,

and put on the armor of hope.

Put it near my heart, Lord.

On each day boost 

the faith within. Add your 

armor of strength, 

of perseverance, and enduring

hope to revive my being and my spirit.

draft, CVarsalona, 2026