since I blocked their influence, it was silent
a guarded heart, awaiting opening guidance
sitting with you, sitting with myself, i keep space
around the words, around the feeling, for echo
belonging is a cry, an offering, an energy sharing
how does it live in the afterward and the outside
who needs it most, who rejects it and each other
what cost does belonging exact in the exchange
what conduct is crafted or tolerated and why
when sharing is currency, what do I offer
truth is always a story within decisions
can you be the you that you value, are you hiding
tears meet truth, laughter in kindness
quiet conviction of what is right, for me, in me
sacred is simple, but sits right beside shame
they know it, they invite it, they wait as it leaves
humility and shame, sisters who aren’t speaking
beauty in those who suffer then blossom
healing is acceptance, with what conditions
reflecting what should be seen here or elsewhere
i rested, i let in the light of friendship
i saw the circle of circles, its continuance
what circles need to sustain them is presence
a circle can dissolve and leave a spirit to keep it
to trace and hold healing for a time, then weaken
curling in sleep, a soft blanket, memory of singing
the right song, a moment not quite meeting
self and silence, wincing at imperfection
opening to my own home of soothed judgment
you can let go, meet the gaze, be new or internal
you can be seen and missed and loved
you can rest or walk away, you can leave a trace