When I become stuck in comparison
between me and her
or me and them
or me and that
I remember this summer
when my uncle hugged me and whispered,
“thank you for being you”
and I remind myself
what a gift I am, just as I am,
and my neck becomes a little taller
my chest proud
and I say to myself,
“thank YOU for being YOU.”
Tag: family
for those trapped in the fog
Sometimes
we travel so far down a path
to look back, in search of the road signs
that led us astray,
is to see a fog so dense
all the eyes can see, is gray.
You deserve better treatment
than you’re receiving.
Anyone does.
Hold on.
Stand your ground.
Eventually,
fog succumbs to the sun.
whispers of the snowfall
Stay at home with your family.
Light a candle, bundle a blanket.
Travel only if you must.
Slow down, relax, take a breath.
Turn down the volume to find quiet.
Remember,
the world may be hard
but it’s also soft, and gentle.
longing heart
How do you tell them
how your heart aches to see them,
be near them, hear their story
and of the expansive burst in your chest
you feel the moment you see them?
When you say
“I’ve missed you”
or “It’s so good to see you”
do they also hear the words you want to say
but don’t?
Sometimes words cannot do justice
the bodily sensations of love and longing,
you know it by feeling
and hope they feel it too.
January walk
Opportunity made to reconnect
amongst the fresh, new air
remnants of past frozen water
melting from the heat
of our shoes and paws
and the courageous sun
building warmth once again.
departures too soon
Finally here and ready to see you
better late than never,
the air fills with chatter and laughter.
This is what I have been missing.
Skies and snow
must also feel this warmth and love,
sticking, layering, to the world outside
like I wish to do here,
in your home.
Stick and stay.
Fighting against the disappearing sun
to stay longer, keep the moment alive,
come departures
too soon.
footsteps, furniture and new voices
The floor creaks under the weight
of footsteps, new and many.
Bodies rest upon furniture, furniture
which scarcely receives human contact.
Laughter and conversation
ring through the air,
of all ages and volumes.
Pushing us beyond comfort
for a few days
brings new appreciation for retreating
back, into routine and calm.
Despite temporary discomfort,
the footsteps, furniture and new voices
mean family and love are near.
Practice gratitude, and embrace
this chance, to fill your heart.
Dawning Words 