On some days it's hard to love
the world. Old friends reject you.
Nations threaten nuclear annihilation.
Neighbors go to church every Sunday
and abuse the waitresses at lunch.
Move forward, even if it seems impossible,
even if you're no longer steady on your feet.
Feel love for the woman at the checkout line who
insists I go ahead of her.
The old lady in the produce section
who shared opinions on the best fruit.
Try to forget the ones who see you
but no longer speak. Focus on the ones
who do, and remember there is good
in people and bad. There is cowardice.
There are grudges. There is bravery.
Smile at the little girl staring up
from her mama's skirts, afraid of my white
skin. Smile at her and tell her she is beautiful
and bathe in her coy smile.
Hand some money to the homeless man
at the entrance to the store,
and when he asks if I can spare a little money, give it
to him. Give him more than he expected.
It's cold outside and wet, and he has no feet,
but he still has a smile to offer. Hope he finds a warm
room for the night
Try not to grieve the living dead.
Just move as though through water
Each time someone pushes you under,
remember you can swim and breathe the air,
the same air you breathed as a child
in the azaleas every spring to
make honey and pollinate the trees, the flowers and
the people who still notice them.
Be still. Forgive the ones who need it
and share the honey on the table
and wonder how it all came to be
and laugh, because you're still alive.
By Elodie Pritchartt, March 10,
2023
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