XII

There is just as much gold in you 
When you lean into quietude, 
When you slow down like sap,
When you learn how to howl.
When you find the way to hold winter wind in your bones 
And still sometimes twinkle secret light.
(sun pulling up the tiny whispers of sharp snow
And breathing them away from the aching roots.) 
There is so much more depth to the story of your soul
Than what you are told you’ve accomplished. 
You are still worthy of your place
If you just learn how to breathe again
from the Feet Up.
If you feed small soul songs to your ancestors. 
If you make a quiet room in your heart. 
You do not have to shine or keep pace.
It is more than enough
to hold the midnights with some small grace. 

Make your temple a place 
Where the empty armed spaces between
Are celebrated equally. 
And the world will not agree with you 
But fashion yourself a quiet heart, rich with dark rooms…

And sleep until you dream.🌒