When I breathe, I do not ask, “Is there another breath for me?”
I am focused on the present and that is sufficient—this breath,
an expanding rib cage, a diaphragm pulling and relaxing, and forgetfulness
as I concentrate on just being in this moment before my next exertion.
But no planning is required as I look to the next breath’s future and more
Mama, help me . . . Just let me breathe . . .
With each new day, I do not ask, “Will this be the last sunrise I see?”
I think about “my normal”—going about and doing mundane things.
With no hero plans or lofty goals other than to be alive and in JOY …
Thinking about my children, my family, and a tomorrow—all part of me
But no planning is required as I inhale, looking to brighter days without sorrow
Mama, help me . . . Just let me breathe . . .
Excerpt from the book, ENOUGH “Say Their Names . . .”
Ronald Montgomery is a St. Louis born activist, linguist, educator, musician, photographer and poet. As a world traveler, who has lived for many years in foreign lands, he often speaks of his extended family which circles the globe. He has completed several degrees, but his proudest title is “Dad.”
In his military and business careers, Ronald is an accomplished Human Relations/Leadership and Management Development trainer/facilitator and project manager. He has developed and delivered training programs for organizations such as the Department of Defense, the National Security Agency, the U.S. Military and Xerox Corporation, to name a few. His training experience has spanned more than three decades across several continents and has touched thousands of students. His focus is on helping individuals and organizations to develop personal and corporate habits respectively, that eliminate barriers to effective communications and help to establish and maintain meaningful trust-based relationships.
Ronald is an author who has written and published 13 volumes of his poetry. A central premise of his writing is that positive intentional living and developing meaningful connections to others is self-perpetuating. This process is beneficial to every aspect of society regardless of the culture. He goes a step further as he pushes the boundaries of life’s experiences to expose the connectedness of human desires for friendships, community, and loving relationships which only deepen with the acceptance of diversity. His books are available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
