WOUNDS

Rushing down darkened hall

Toward preparing dinner, 

Slammed shin-first into 

Spout of watering can

(thankfully plastic, not metal).

Left shin, of course.

Skin broken, bump forming;

Hobbled to bed to collapse

Into gasping, eye-bulging,

Astonished agony; tears dripping;

Imagining foreverness of pain.

Strategies soon initiated to

Quell bleeding and swelling--

Slight massage to stimulate 

Healing blood flow; applied

Anti-bacterial lotion, loose

bandage, and ice, ice, ice on

Leg elevated by pillows; aspirin.

Pain subsided, calm returned.

Memories of recent wounds

On left foot and left breast.

When body ably assisted,

Natural healing process takes

Charge and moves forward.

So, too, mind/psyche/emotions:

When made room for, attuned,

Accepted, and cherished, 

Calm regained and maintained.

So, too, relationships: when

Processed and resolved, 

Transition to deeper layers

And broader levels of

Intimacy, offering solace

And comfort and growth.

So, too, the Earth, tho'

Maimed and excavated:

When allowed to lie fallow

Or offered nutritious food,

Recovers vegetation and 

Clean, clear waters, housing

And supporting all beings.

After bruising, when afforded 

Time, patience, and care,

Everything re-generates.

Keep the Faith, Everything 

Will be OK. Lean back and 

Let go. Breathe in, then out,

Then once again and again.

Ann Beth Blake

(c) November 11, 2013