For all the Gentle Souls

and those who need to be more gentle with themselves

Gently, Gently

     
“Gently, gently, make room for happiness at last.”
 - From the notebooks of Albert Camus
                  

Gently, gently, make room 
for the sun to turn the leaves
of the dappled willow
into flowers, brief
hallucination. Be prepared
for the dragonfly who wants only
to walk across your arm
before flying away.

Gently, gently carry the ladybug
to the open window, give it
loft, gently settle your eyes
on the hummingbird's blurred wing,
and gently whisper 
a prayer for every living thing.

When your touch goes numb,
and your voice breaks, gently,
gently, ask for help. Softly,
tenderly, honor yourself. 

Laura L. Hansen