I Won't Sleep This Season Away

 Many seasons have toughened my skin

My legs have planted and pushed off mountain trails and forest floors

People have been tender to me

They filled my heart

They betrayed and abandoned me

They used and cheated me

Yet they have all loved me

And I have been naive, arrogant, and righteous

I have been brilliant, compassionate, and persevered

I have seen numerous shades of grey and blue skies

I have been mesmerized by the hues of countless sunsets and sunrises

The glittering stars at night have left me in wonder

This is my life lived and I see it now passing by me

What is left now in this infinite space around me?

My heart tells me to be whole - real - awake - alive

To not sleep this season away

There is a freedom deep inside that is fighting to come out

And I don't want to get in its way

I don't want to disappoint myself

Not be complete

I see the little boy inside me

Who is curious and excited

Who is confused about people

Who is innocent

Who wants to understand people and why they can be dangerous - scary - mean

The older wise man approaches the boy

He reaches out his hand

And he says to the boy

"I am here for you"

He takes the boy's hand

He tells him; "Let's walk and take the hands of everyone

We can all love each other

No matter how big, small, short or tall

Black, White, Brown, Yellow, Red

We are all equal

Nobody is better or worse

We are each other's mother, father, sister, and brother

If we follow, lead, stick together and trust each other

That is what will give us happiness

You don't have to perform, show off, prove anything, or please anybody

You are love

We are love

They are love"

And the boy smiles

And the older wise man continues:

"This is how life is - we need kindness and compassion

I see how we fall short when we forget

We get thrown off track when we feel threatened or intimidated

We freeze - We run away - We fight

Always remember that you are loved

Know that I am here for you all the time

Whenever the fear wells up

And your insides are quivering

Know I am right here beside you

For I have been through storms

And uncertainty

I have climbed the peaks of mountains high

And I have stumbled, fell down, been broken

I can smile and show you the way

We can't get lost now

Because I am writing this chapter for you and me

With clarity

With purpose

From this place of wisdom and grace"

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