Resiliency and Strength

I wrote this poem in January 2024 in trying to speak to the perspective and feelings of a child caught in a life of abuse of one of their parents by the other. Can you imagine? Kids are resilient but this is incredible, and we need to listen. I meet so many children during the…

I wrote this poem in January 2024 as another inspired by so many who are making a choice to make a major transition in their life – out of a life of abuse and into the future. I had been living in danger and under control of a louseThen I happened to find support in…

I wrote this poem in July 2023 following a Shelter Movers move that required our small team to work on probably what was the hottest day of the summer and to move a woman into a fifth floor apartment – with no elevator. This poem reflects the efforts required of our team but just as…

I wrote this poem in June 2023 after having volunteered with Shelter Movers Ottawa for over two years. I wrote it as a message to potential clients who often have no clue as to who we are. And at the same time for those within the organization to perhaps better understand our mission and commitment.…

I wrote this poem in June 2023 following a move where there were two children helping their mother make this giant transition in their lives after months of living in s a shelter. It was moving to see their spirit and their joy, and even their appreciation for the volunteer move team. And yet, they…

I wrote this poem in February 2023 following a move of a victim of intimate partner violence. During this move as the woman was thanking the move team for our efforts, she spoke of how during the move she had phoned her sister and said “I am free, I am free”. We were all choked…