POEM A DAY – February 5 – VANESSA SHIELDS

Our Task Today, At Least Once

For M, with peaceful praise to Bhikkhu Paññakāra

At least once, put your hand on your heart, and your other hand over that so both hands feel the pounding of life within you. At least once, stop time by joining it in the sacred thumps of the powerful, peaceful pounding of your heart’s phenomenal work. Let your praise be for your heart and its non-stop devotion to loving you. The heart is the love centre, at least once, believe that. At least once, praise your entire body for housing your heart. At least once, let the only thing that matters be the pattering of your blood language knocking under your palms. At least once, show peace you choose her by giving your full attention to your heart. At least once, look in the mirror and smile at your damn extraordinary face and give praise to the sacred alwaysness of reflection. At least once, acknowledge that this organ the size of your fist, in the grand scale of size, is small and yet its life’s work is enormous. At least once, accept that the paradoxes of size and worth disappear when your heart’s mission is peaceful love. At least once, feel the value of the everyday choices you make and equate them to the steps of peacefully walking road warriors (and their dog) who believe in the power of peace’s inner reachings. At least once, say out loud to yourself: I love you. At least once, welcome fear into a heart chamber for respite. At least once, hold the door open for someone. At least once, smile at a stranger. At least once, kiss ego’s mouth so it understands silence. At least once, respect the truth of your beauty, your wisdom, your glory, your ability to put your hand on your heart, and your other hand over that so both hands feel the pounding of life within you.