I began the “Poem of the Day Project” on September 26, 2025, and today’s poem marks day 180 of this daily ritual of crafting a poem during my morning journaling routine. Some of the poems make absolutely no sense to me, others have merit, yet it is the ritual of the constant attention to metaphor, to writing from an unknown place, that have allowed me to explore my own internal landscape through an intuitive lens.

Most days the poem that emerges from that still sleepy part of my souls is reflective of the writing I have done for the “Daily Notes” I post here. A few days ago the cards, the writing, and the poem fell into a quiet symmetry and they are below. The note and poem were from March 24, and the inspiration came from the 2 of Pentacles, The Lovers, and The Hermit, the ideas of balance and introspection a theme for the day.

March 24,

Each morning I draw a series of cards from a few different tarot decks, which inform the writing of my daily notes here. These cards not only give me inspiration, but some direction as I ask for the cards which will help me with my day. I am seeking words, ideas, and images to draw from, to serve as a source of comfort, as well as a direction.

Today’s cards, 2 of Pentacles, The Lovers, and The Hermit, were a source of comfort, as they fell into place within my mind, and touched on the nature of today’s events. I am downstairs writing, my alone time in the quiet of the morning as the sun is rising. This is when I hear the birds waking up and singing, my dog is curled up nearby, still snoozing, and I am able to draw in the natural sounds of the day and write.

On today’s agenda, a balance of time for myself on this last day of vacation, and some time for the practical (snow tires) and the personal (visiting a relative in a nursing facility). If I had my way I would be curled up on the couch with a blanket and book, but I need to accomplish the mundane appointment and I do look forward to the visit.

My husband helps me maintain this balance, because as a hermit, I always tend towards the solitary and activities close to (in) home. How do your relationships bring balance to your life? If they don’t, can you find someone who might be a nice complement? A new mentor, a friend?

Cards drawn for inspiration: 2 of Pentacles, The Lovers, The Hermit

The young girl walked -
tentatively at first across the linen-covered balance beam. 
Her “too big for her” feet splaying over the edge, 
toes gripping, arms outstretched, 
her internal sense of balance deeply embedded but hidden. 
Unbeknownst to her, she would have all that she would ever need - 
to traverse the beam of life. 
In that moment however, 
she slowed…
she forgot…
she was lifted to safety, 
the mat cool, then the ground solid. 
Would she make the attempt again? 
Or retreat to her inner world once more? 
The answer lies in the stillness - the space between despair and hope. 
The mysteries won’t be solved until she finds herself, 
alone and 
Unafraid.