Watch Your World

Look hard at the world, they said -

Generously, if you can

manage that,

but also boldly

because the world looks hard at you too.

When you watch their war stories,

And your stomach turns into a kiln,

Or your heart begins playing hopscotch,

When your throat crates your unspoken words,

And your whole body ignites itself against your will,

Then, you should close your eyes and not look at the world.

Instead,

Lower your pale curtains

And look hard within -

With a soft gaze first, if you can

do that,

Without hesitation,

as you would,

if you encounter an injured animal,

Walk gently and bend down to the world inside you

Take a soft look,

Peek around for a while

in the vast cave of your heart,

Calmly,

Uncover the sacred scrolls buried within its chambers,

Watch the words find their place,

Like children scurrying to their classrooms after recess

and humbly,

Listen to its chorus and let the healing begin.

So I tell you, me, the gray-haired woman,

Who loves all words and writers too,

Language springs from inside

A deep and ancient well

Born from forgiveness and freedom.

Its never-ending flow runs wild.

Look hard at your world,

Generously and boldly,

you can do that.