it is difficult to rise each morning with a kind heart
but everything has to start somewhere
the ground is spongy and welcomes our feet
and this is still a private war
we peel the tangerines from opposite sides of the table
bright orange petals under strong unwatched hands
guarded and guarding
vigilant for the answer when it comes
how we learn to bear our selves
excuse our happiness
our thriving
our desire
i reach out and praise you with my hands
with my ears
tuned
for the danger hurling past
just
out of reach
