An Exceptional Gift

“Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this too, was a gift.” – Mary Oliver

tentacles that crawl
invade life, hold the fragile
hostage and crush, crush
darkness to a deafening
silence; an abode for calm

Darkness is… for Poets United

Moon in the Night Sky

On Writing and Living…

This week Rommy asks, “did you ever get a chance to hold something that you only imagined before?” By the way, she recently published a book of short stories. Check it out, and enjoy a moment in her fantasy world.

But to answer her question. I know that wonderful feeling with the publication of my first chapbook. It is surreal to finally hold in your hands a book you’ve poured heart and soul into.

And this dream is made possible by other kindred souls, who see your vision and help you accomplish it. I have many to thank.

But right now, I’d like to thank two special people (you know who you are). These kindred hearts brought a candle each to save a flickering flame that threatened a total blackout.

So, with their help, I’m happy to finally say my second chapbook, From the Depths of Darkness, is coming out soon. It’s been sweat and tears, literally, putting this one together.

Khaya Ronkainen
Khaya Ronkainen is a writer, poet and creative professional. Her blog focuses on all things poetry and creative nonfiction.

26 Comments

  1. “tentacles that crawl / invade life”…Darkness is sometimes this scary.
    Congrats on your chapbooks Khaya! Yay!

  2. There is a calm when you get to the point of darkest dark, after the trauma, where the sound of your breath feels like a miracle. I feel like this piece captures that moment well.

    And yay on your next chapbook coming out!

  3. Thanks so much, Sumana. I appreciate. As for darkness, it is really sometimes scary. But in dark we see.

  4. Many thanks, dear Sanaa. I appreciate you reading. <3

  5. There is calm, indeed because nothing can be worse than the darkest. Thanks so much Rommy, it’s a dark collection this time, and not an easy write but I’m glad I did it.

  6. Can you believe I had to look up “tentacles that crawl”? And then, what crushes and terrorizes also gives. I would sure like to see more of that! Powerful piece, crushed as tiny as possible, it seems to do what it says.

  7. Very powerful and I love an abode for calm at the end Congratulation with your chapbook

  8. Darkness is always a good place to find calm…unless of course you fear the hobgoblins that live there and they discover your weakness! Then put the light on quick!

  9. The tentacles that crawl are not easy to spot. They sneak out while not watching. Thanks Susan for reading.

  10. Oliver’s quote is so relevant. Much love, Gillena.

  11. I’m glad you can relate, Kim. They are disguised gift.

  12. Weakness is the key word. For when the hobgoblins discover it, they will use against you. Better keep the candle at hand. 🙂

  13. You’ve quoted one of my favorite quotes by Mary Oliver. Darkness is the sort of gift we must open our heart’s eyes to truly see. It might not look like much at first. In fact, in might look like the total opposite, but if we look… it gives.

    I am sooooooooooo happy your second book in on the way. May those tears nourish the delicious poetry I just know blooms out of the dark.

  14. The quote by Oliver is an important reminder that darkness can be a gift. Beautiful things can sprout from it, and brighten one’s world. And tears play the part in cleansing dust out of the eye. Thanks so much Maga. Much appreciated!

  15. Love the quote from Mary Oliver. Eerie tones in this one. Congrats on your book!

Do leave a trace!