CALL ME BELOVED

as the mercury sunk down this morning
all of us on the sidewalks clutched
our coffee cups, held them close to our hearts,
in preparation of grasping frigid subway poles
and frozen steering wheels. I make this an
integral part of my day, seeking out
points of camaraderie with strangers around me –
I tie tenuous bonds and pretend that I’m
better connected to the world.

so just breathe – let it condense on the windshield
and let the morning settle gently, do not resist
what you cannot change, do not force
disappointment into a world so full of it already.
breathe and let the earth spin gently around you,
drink your coffee and be satisfied just to be warm.
tell yourself there is always more time –
mornings when you’ll wake up warm,
afternoons spent with chosen company.

just breathe – sit in the drivers seat
with the engine murmuring, let the peace come
while the car warms up in the parking spot.
the warmth always follows.