MARYSA BONNEMA
Marysa is a creative writer located in Montreal, Quebec. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University. She majored in Western Society and Cultural Studies with the Liberal Arts college. She writes primarily poetry and short stories. Her thematic focus centers around the body, soul, and spirit connection, philosophy, coming of age, etc. Marysa desires for her craft to inspire growth in self and others, to encourage living an integrated and mindful life. From a young age, she was a lover of words. She would journal daily and process her thoughts. As she wrote, she grew to understand herself and uncover her aspirations. Marysa believes that words have the power to inspire, encourage change, and bring hope. If she is not writing, you can find her sitting in a park with a good book or chatting away with her husband or a friend. Marysa hopes her writing offers you a moment of peace and pause during your day or evening.

poems by
Marysa Bonnema
A Glimmer of Light
The dark sky,
hugged by the glimmer of light
the new dawn like fresh dew,
sprinkled on summer grass
whispers, be still
and consider each day
as a journey
with the eagerness to explore
the sole intention,
to take notice
and know
The Story behind your Words
Your voice was made to be heard
and to not hide among the noise
the echo of your words
inspired and learned
move swiftly like a song bird
a sweet melody to be heard
with a message to be transferred
leaving even a lonely heart affirmed
your voice was made to be heard
to circulate and stir
among the unknowns confirmed
by the ones who emerge
willing to seek and converse to learn
that your voice was made to be heard
Held
She lost sight of herself that morning
As her reflection portrayed a stranger
Had she known how to protect her heart
She would have held it safe in her hands
Her fingers enclosed
Creating a safe haven for her heart to rest
There, there, heart, you are safe now
Yet, there she sat enveloped and bare
Unsafe. Unknown. Unseen.
How fragile I am
She thought
How easily shattered I am
She realized
Why do I let go?
Why do I not hold on?
She questioned
Her heart remained exposed that afternoon
Unguarded. Untamed, Free.
The entangled thoughts rang through her mind
Yet, there was a whisper which spoke louder
And louder the whisper grew
Why do you hide from me?
I belong to you.
Her heart whispered back to her that evening
Transitions
Around and around
Her bare feet tickled by the prickly green grass beneath her
The wind stroked her floral skirt that followed her careless movements
Swirling and Swirling
She was led by the wind and there was certainly no one else she aspired to follow
Her arms held high and hand turned outward, I can reach higher
Earnestly, she pressed her weight down on her toes
On tippy toes now, I will make it
twirling and twirling
Expectations and expectations
Her heart imprisoned by the relentless clutter surrounding its three corners
Every thought that streamed through her mind flooded her consciousness
Pressure and pressure
She was lost in her unbelief and wounded by her questioning
Had she not confirmed? Would she still be twirling? I can reach higher
Molded and shaped by the overarching voice of her environment
Carried away now, I will make it
Ashamed and Ashamed
Repress and repress
She chose to run in the opposite direction of the wind
Her feet no longer following and carelessly in step with its movement
Perfection and perfection
Against the wind is where she found herself, as she pushed herself away
She could no longer trust the One who once carried her so gently, I can reach higher
Her arms now lay wrapped around her waist, aspiring ultimately to hide from herself
Heavy hearted now, I will make it
Confined and confined