Guest Column: Spotlight on Shawayne Dunstan
NEW for 2023!
Grassroots Gratitude invites submissions for in this space. Got something you want to share? If you would like to post your original work as a Grateful Update, please send to lorraine@grassrootsgratitude.ca. Your original written piece should be related to one of the following themes:
Gratitude.
Writing from the heart.
Community leadership.
Maximum 600 words
Grassroots Gratitude is listening and giving voice to others – and this month, we introduce Poet Shawayne Dunstan.
Shawayne Dunstan joined the Grassroots Gratitude planning committee for Giving Tuesday. Thanks to Shawayne who composed and recited this original poem at our community event on November 29, 2022.
More thanks to Shawayne for generously opening his heart and giving Grassroots Gratitude permission to post this original piece of work.
I Cried a River, But Flowers Bloomed
November 22, 2022
The nights need the sun
To pave a way
Not concerned with how far you’ve come
Rather “Are you okay”
Burdens evident
As we look to person to person
Truth is I was hurting then
How this world has treated you
You’re not deserving
Be the light
You need to fight
If discourse is the wind
Then you are a kite
Gliding…
Gratitude is discovering
Someone to confide in
On the best days, worst days
And when you’re alone on your birthday
Praise to a higher power
Because your essence ain’t coincidental
It is needed
A house is not a home
Without understanding being the secret
We’re here for you
Gratitude for your hair
To the soles of your shoes
Your capacity to make a difference
Should make the figure proud
In the mirror’s reflective image
I shouldn’t be here
But I am
Perseverance intertwined
With scars on my hands
I’m a mortal man
With a dysfunctional plan
How must I walk in the footsteps
Of the righteous
Without getting my feet wet?
Gratitude is the secret
Everything and nothing to lose
Take a look at those around you
The tears in eyes won’t lie to you
I cried a river, but flowers bloomed
Pay it forward
Give the time of day
I see love in your core
Don’t succumb to the negativity
They say
For we are the future
For generations to come
Time is the biggest teacher
Take a moment to reach out to someone
Shawayne Dunstan is a poet, illustrator and singer from Toronto, Ontario. His latest collection of poetry is titled This Shared Moment with You (released in August 2022). His poetry and art focus on vivid, abstract, and affirmative concepts. Shawayne is a graduate of Humber College with a diploma in hospitality. His latest ventures include building a brand named Shaweezy that provides consumers with unique designs on apparel and everyday items. Shawayne has been a resident of Banff since May 2021. His next poetry book will be titled Tumblebug. Keep up to date with Shawayne’s poetry on Instagram @Shawayne508.
