Old thoughts want to loosen when I tell the truth about cost, my time, the risk, and who gets hurt if I don’t talk or I don’t listen,
Old thoughts want to loosen as I feed better actions: need for sleep, need for water, bread, clean work, and a steady friends,
Old thoughts want to loosen when I write the urge down, to walk ten minutes, and return, and think kindly about everything else,
Old thoughts want to loosen because I stop bargaining, but start listening inside, but just let quiet ways rule for a little while…
Different prayers turn into hunt for ease instead of that courage to carry a needed load with care each day we live,
Different prayers turn into “change them” and “change me,” instead I harm no one and stay silent and honest at heart,
Different prayers turn into wish for luck instead of practicing a skill, with honest timing, and steady hands that work each morning,
Different prayers turn into fear of work instead of believing that I can finish today without drama, with simple, consistent steps done well…
A strong spine asks to carry what is mine, and to put down the rest, do it gently, with care each time you need,
A strong spine asks to speak plain, choose clean ways to express, forgive slowly, and repair harm to make healing,
A strong spine asks for swift clarity on reach, so hopes land in range that you could easily reach as you count steps towards dawn,
A strong spine asks for help early, all offers help back without pride, but with thanks and open hands always needed…
An inner fortress holds if I keep the consent in my pocket, not at the gate of my will also not waiting for fear here and there,
An inner fortress holds when I ask for calm hands, not with a softer storm or a promise that I cannot even buy,
An inner fortress holds as I check the story twice before I pass it further to another tired mind then decide for a judgement,
An inner fortress holds while I do the next task, then rest, but still choose to be you again when night finally comes…
Now I know that my inner fortress holds when I aim at justice and mercy, not just in small daily acts at home and work,
Now I know that my inner fortress holds when I remember that the gate opens only from inside, but never from the outside for any loud fear that is waiting,
Now I know that my inner fortress holds because I’m willing to choose again at dawn and again at dusk, but calmly in my small honest ways,
Now I know that my inner fortress holds the answer lived in me- from my will, from my breath, from my step forward, taken now with care…
• Ask to change not just the desire
• Train for courage, not just comfort
• Guard your every consent at the gate
• Choose facts over not fear
