Remembrance (2011)

a distant star glimmers

the coldness of the night

makes me shiver

i hear you whisper

i shudder at the thought

you live in my heart

you never left

that's why i still hear you

and feel your love as

cold air embraces me

every time i lay awake 

anxious at uncertainties

you rush to ease my mind

if only you could  

wipe away my tears

memories of rainbows and

of echoing laughter

unfulfilled dreams and 
promises lie in their wake

bittersweet remembrance of past 

© Bing Yap (PinkLady) 2011

A poem I wrote in 2011 in remembrance of James whom we lost in 2005. 

Poetry Prompt:

A pocketful of sunshine and 

Life As It Is

 

Life as it is—a beautiful mess, a patchwork of sorrow, love, and rest.

A pocketful of sunshine and 

Finding Peace in Your Soul

In our fast-paced, ever-demanding world, finding peace within ourselves is often easier said than done. Yet, soul-deep peace is essential for true well-being and resilience. It’s more than a fleeting moment of calm; it’s a state of acceptance, a balance between what we’ve endured and where we are headed.

The journey to inner peace often begins with letting go—of expectations, regrets, and past hurts. It’s about accepting the things we cannot change and releasing the weight of past events that no longer serve us. This doesn’t mean forgetting; it means finding strength in what we’ve survived and recognizing that every challenge has shaped us.

Embracing the present is the next step. When we’re constantly thinking about what has been or what could be, we miss out on what is. Peace is rooted in this moment—the breath we take, the beauty we notice, the gratitude we feel. It’s in the small, simple joys that life offers every day.

Finally, trusting that things happen for a reason allows us to rest in a sense of purpose, even when things don’t make sense immediately. Peace isn’t the absence of pain or struggle; it’s the quiet assurance that, whatever comes, we have the strength to face it.

True peace is a journey, a choice we make daily. It’s a gift we give to ourselves and, ultimately, to those around us. Embrace the journey, find your peace, and let it shine through every part of your life.

A pocketful of sunshine and 

Dona Nobis Pacem: Hold The Light

 

When we hold the light for peace, our influence extends beyond ourselves. Each peaceful action becomes a spark that inspires others. The ripple effect is profound: one person’s compassion can lead to a community of empathy, and eventually, a world that prioritizes love over fear. We may never fully understand the impact of our actions, but by choosing peace, we add our light to a collective effort that transcends generations.

In moments of darkness, those who hold the light for peace become beacons of hope. They are reminders that, despite everything, a better world is possible. Every kind word, every understanding look, every gentle gesture builds on the promise that humanity can overcome division and hate.

Holding the light doesn’t mean we are free from challenges or fears; it means we choose not to let those fears control us. It means we act with courage, knowing that our light is needed now more than ever.

Imagine if more of us chose to be carriers of peace, to illuminate the path with kindness and empathy. As we hold this light, we contribute to a collective glow that can transform lives and inspire change. So, let us all commit to being sources of light in a world that needs it—let’s hold the light for peace, together.

DONA DOBIS PACEM 2024

A pocketful of sunshine and 

Embracing Life with Resilience

While we may not be able to control every event in life, we have the power to control how we respond. Our attitude—our perspective—is one of the most influential choices we make every day. It shapes our experience of joy, hardship, and everything in between.

Choosing a positive, resilient outlook doesn’t mean ignoring reality or glossing over pain. It’s about acknowledging those challenges while believing in our own strength to meet them. It’s finding gratitude in the small moments when the big ones feel overwhelming. 

When life presents its challenges, I try to focus not on what’s happening but on what I can do about it. I’m learning that the true richness of life isn’t determined by external events but by my inner landscape—how I choose to think, feel, and react. And that, ultimately, is where real freedom and peace lie.

A pocketful of sunshine and