In the Moment

Inspired by Maya Angelou’s legacy, "In the Moment" is my personal letter sharing the joyous simplicities that form our lives. It's a reflection of my journey towards living more in the present, a testament to the beauty that surrounds us if only we take the time to look and truly see. From the laughter-filled play of children to the serene dance of nature, every moment holds a treasure trove of serenity and joy, if only we're present to uncover it.


In The moment by Gemma Duck

In our everyday lives, beauty and joy are often found in the simplest of places: the serene blue of a clear sky, the delicate flutter of butterfly wings, or the comforting spread of a picnic blanket under the welcoming shade of ancient trees. It's in these moments, cradled by a soft, whispering breeze, that a quiet voice urges us to pause, to stay, to truly see.

Inspired by the legendary Maya Angelou, whose words dance with the grace of truth and the power of simplicity, I've woven my own little piece of poetry, "In the Moment." It's my love letter to the joy of the present, a melody inspired by the symphony of everyday wonders — sun-kissed skies, the ballet of butterfly wings, and the laughter that bubbles up from a family picnic.

Gemma Duck Maya Angelou World  Poetry Day


Maya Angelou, with her boundless grace and profound wisdom, is a beacon for me — a lighthouse guiding me towards discovering my own truths. She taught me the beauty of standing tall in my stories, of finding the extraordinary nestled within the folds of my daily life. "In the Moment" sprouted from these teachings, a seed nurtured by my journey to embrace the here and now, to find solace in the embrace of nature, and to celebrate the magic of connection, whether it's sharing a homemade feast or marvelling at the curious antics of an uninvited guest (yes, I'm looking at you, cheeky ants!).

This piece isn't just a collection of words for me; it's a reminder to breathe, to be present, and to cherish the tapestry of moments that life offers us. It's about discovering joy in the whispers of the wind, the warmth of the sun, and the shared smiles of those we hold dear. Angelou showed us the power of being rainbows in each other's clouds; through my own reflections, I hope to sprinkle a little bit of that color into your world.


As we celebrate World Poetry Day, I'm drawn to share not only my humble attempt at poetry but also the works of Maya Angelou that have been a constant source of inspiration and courage for me. Her voice—a harmonious blend of resilience, hope, and love—echoes through her poetry, reminding us of the strength found in vulnerability, the unity in diversity, and the freedom in truth.

Here, too, are a few other poetry collections that I love to read, each a treasure chest of emotions and experiences. Perhaps, in these pages, you'll find a spark, a tear, a smile - a moment of connection to carry with you.

Poetry, in its essence, is a bridge connecting us to each other and to the moments that define our existence.  So here's to finding poetry in the ordinary, to turning Sundays into celebrations, and to making every moment a testament to the beauty of being truly, deeply, wonderfully alive.

Happy World Poetry Day to you all. May your days be filled with laughter, your hearts with love, and your moments with the unmistakable beauty of life lived "In the Moment."

Love Gemma


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