A broken heart, I think,
sometimes shields itself
under the guise of anger,
resentment, and bluster.
It’s easier
and maybe feels safer
to harden
instead of soften,
to shield
instead of bare itself,
to try to control
instead of letting go.
That truly may be the wise path
until wounds turn to scars,
until we stop collecting thorns to
shore up that shield
and instead
gather for ourselves the healing herbs
of goodness and mercy
until peace settles so deeply in us
that we realize
that from now on,
thorns may prick,
but only scratch-deep.
They will no longer embed themselves
as splinters in our heart.
For we know who we are—
scarred but
whole and holy.
We are those who not only
gather goodness
but give it away freely,
even—maybe especially—
to those still collecting thorns,
still shielding their hearts.
Peace, love,
goodness and grace.
Gather and give.
-kh-
Nurture peace, cultivate kindness, and carry the calm.
Nature of the week:
Shadow of the week:
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Text and photos © 2024 Karyn Henley. All rights reserved.