s t i l l & t e n d e r

stillness

everything stop
noises off
that constant stream
of things that seem
important

stop

all of earth’s
earthly sorrows
weighing heavily
on your focused
brow
won’t lift the weight
any from the
oppressed
injustice

so
just
take
a moment

and relax

turn off the
noise

be still

be alone

everything you
have to do
press            pause

here
n o w
in this room

Hello!

take stock

count small
blessings

are you warm enough?
cool enough?
clothed & fed?
can you breathe easily?
if so, breathe in
s l o w l y
breathe o u t

listen to the room
are there nature sounds
where you are?
is there a howling wind?
a gentle breeze?
are there birds?
the hum of an AC?

do you feel the earth moving through the air?
does a dog lick your cheek?

are you h e r e
now?

w o w
you’re incredible
i’m so glad you’re here

tell me something nice
that happened once

i saw an orangutan
save a drowning baby bird
with such gentle care
it made me cry

life can be so beautiful

one time
a friend was so delicate with
my wounded heart
he vowed to protect it
while i was unable

life can be beautiful

y o u  can make it beautiful

its okay to focus on the good
it is necessary

b r e a t h e
remember good things
stay gentle
kind
open

to do this
you have to protect
your hours of stillness
you have to stay connected
to memories of love

remember often
the love in your life
and the love you have witnessed

share it around

your fear and your anger
have their place

but don’t let it take up
the whole space

we need your
tenderness, too

now
more than
ever

we need your
tenderness, too