all poems and photographs
© by Maya Stein

all poems and photographs
© by Maya Stein
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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

you will know (for T)






















It will be all right in the end, and maybe even in the middle. You will not suffer as long as you think you will. You are not fated to be unhappy. You are not destined for failure. Remember who you are. Let me say it again. Remember who you are. Be gentle. Practice exquisite acts of self-care. You don't have to be as strong as you think you do. You don't have to be wise and certain about your path. Your frailty is beautiful, and your innocence too. Getting lost is another exercise in navigation. You can’t fix everything you touch. You won’t break everything you touch. Don’t apologize if you’re tired. Don’t second-guess your stomach. Maintain eye contact with everything, especially yourself. Fall to your knees at least once a day. Say yes at least twice. Love daringly, wholly, unapologetically. Believe in magic. Befriend your fear. Look up. Listen. The birds will tell you everything you need to know about flight. Forgive yourself your great sadness. Unlock what hurts. Make a prayer for loss. Unpen your words. Get messier than anyone thinks you should. You’ll know when you’re ready. I’ll say it again. You’ll know when you’re ready.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your words touch my soul and wrap themselves around my heart, forcing me to face my own pain, and look forward with hope to my day.

Hashi said...

I think these were words for H.

Martha said...

so completely and totally needed to read this now . now . thanks.

Pamela Hunt Cloyd said...

You are such an amazing poet. I am printing this out right now and I will read it every morning. Ahhhh. Thank you!!!

Amy said...

You certainly just pierced this heart with an arrow. Grazie.