for the one who aches

Though you feel splintered between places.
There is a home in you, where goodness lives.

Goodness not because of the absence of bitterness.
This home, in you, is the place where it all comes to rest.
Where your fears slumber spooning your hopes,
and your hopes surrender to the serenade of twilight.

You are good.

Your tenderness and your prickliness.
Your moments of glory with generous cheers in your name,
but more so,
those private moments of stumbling and losing yourself,
moments when you get so far away,
we can’t hear the song in your heart.

You are good.

Rest your aching head on my chest,
Listen to the rhythm of life in my heart's beat.
Remember yourself in this unnamed place.
Where the soothing is so significant,
the raging is no longer needed.

There is no other place to be.
Be here,
with me.

You may startle,
and that is okay.
The creaking floor and a collapsing reality,
feel the same in the delicate drifting place.

You are good.
You are safe.

If the restlessness captures you, again,
and it will.
I will release you, because
I want you to know the liberation
of unconditional love.

When you return,
I will welcome you,
and remind you,
you are good.

Photo by Jon Tyson