October 12, 2008
Notes from Connie -
Marcel and I had a busy start
to autumn. We flew to Chicago for the Internal Family Systems Annual
Conference in Oak Park Ill.
Marcel presented a workshop on
dream therapy. I attended some educational workshops, spend time
with IFS colleagues.
Then back to New Hampshire to
see clients. Mid week we drove to Bartlett to the NH Substance Abuse
Conference where together we presented our workshop on the long term
effects of child abuse – including the documentary, Common Threads.
It was wonderful seeing old
friends, making new ones – listening and being heard.
The fall foliage was
beautiful. There was even new snow on the mountain tops as we drove
back through Crawford notch.
Amber Ward is
busy setting up a film showing in Minneapolis for February or March
– We may be presenting a workshop out there as well. Stay tuned for
details
Our new book remains under
construction –Working title:
“Can Anybody Out There Hear
Us?” Lorraine Lordi continues to be patient & helpful to us during
this project.
In Chicago I attended Nancy
Sowell’s workshop: Music, Poetry and Passion. It was a touching,
creative experience.
I promised several people that
I would publish the poem I wrote on this web-site – so here goes.
The poem is about different
parts of the inner psyche speaking to us – asking to be heard.
IFS Poetry –
Asking a part a part to speak that holds the survivor voice silent.
What part of me is silent?
It is me…,
the one with the sewing box
tucked under my arm with that
book of
sharp needles
yarn wrapped three times
around my wrist…
I wait for you, the one who
wants
to make sense of life
I wait…
To pierce your throat.
Sew your lips shut
with multi- colored thread
Safe from the laughter of
those who judge you as “no
one.”
shielding your face from the
one who
named you “nothing.”
Promise me this – refuse to
speak
even if I run out of thread...
I am afraid
It seems dangerous
Abusers don’t like it
Those close to abusers don’t
want to see….
Please listen to me -
Self Answers:
Lay the box at your feet.
Listen inward.
There is so much I want you to
know
Remember when I welcomed your
dreams
…streaming with brilliant
colors.
I miss the excitement of what
comes next
I miss the love that filled
you
overflowing your face with the
pink flush
of shyness – the face I love..
Let me be the one who speaks
the truth.
You can rest right close to
me…
Relax into my softness
I love you from the inside out
My dear someone.
