This poem is dedicated to the members of a support group I am in. Without them, I fear I would have drowned already. They help me keep my head above water and remember to breathe. We cry. We laugh. But mostly, we are there for each other.


A Circle of Support

One winter day
at the beginning
of the end of our world -
at least, as we knew it -
we chose each other
as life jackets.

It was a time when
a certain lover of couches
labeled us
childless cat ladies,
as if being childless
or loving cats
would make us insignificant.

Neither childless,
nor necessarily cat ladies
(I mean, some have dogs),
we are strong women -
smart, caring,
different in many ways,
yet bound together
by one purpose:
to help each other
stay afloat.

Every day we struggle,
often flailing in despair,
questions without answers -
the undertow threatening
to pull us under.

Drowning is not an option
in our circle.

We tread water together
in a deep, dark ocean
and will continue
until the dawn
of a new day.

And if the darkness remains,
if the storm surges,
waves threatening our survival,
we will keep treading -
hands grasping hands
to keep the circle unbroken-
until, one by one,
we take our places
among the stars.



Poetry by Melinda K Zarate The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 78 times
Written on 2026-01-17 at 01:14

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Communities can be so saving, so restorative. Glad to hear of your circle, keeping you afloat and giving you hope.
2026-01-24


jim The PoetBay support member heart!
My circle is very small. It is so heartening to know you have such a support group. I understand the value of it, and hope someday to find such a group.

Beautifully written and expressed, as always!

jim
2026-01-18


Griffonner The PoetBay support member heart!
Knowing something of what your circle is, you all need accolade just for the objective. Then again for the determination and bravery. And you for the powerful way you have described it in your poem. Sadly in this world "at least as we know it" there will always be those who try to diminish power by name calling and spreading misinformation. But your circle will remain undaunted. Bravo. Blessings, Allen
2026-01-17