One thing I love is this song.
It seems to respond to a call
from the innermost part of my heart,
to echo a refrain
imprinted in my genes.
This song turns tangled up thoughts and emotions
that often get stuck in my throat
into something I can open my mouth and sing.
I blast the volume on this song because
it feels like blasting the volume on myself
while at the same time
it feels like dissolving.
Another thing I love is this dog.
Something in my chest tightens and twists
but also spreads and softens
when I catch her dreaming on the couch,
belly up and paws twitching in the air.
Watching her sprint down the sand,
I feel like it’s me
running so fast,
bursting with excitement and barking at the waves.
When I close my eyes and press my cheek
against her warm, soft neck,
there’s nothing else I need.
A third thing I love is this tree.
Lying in bed at night and listening to
the sush sush of its leaves
is like hundreds of the lightest hands
sweeping my worries away.
When I place my palm on this tree’s solid and sturdy trunk,
I feel myself absorb its strength;
I feel my legs grow roots.
And, of course, this tree provides
a private, peaceful spot
to sit and dream and think about
all the things I love.
