a nip in the air gooses my flesh while
out for an evening, starry-sky-filled stroll
while my mind
dreams of love
dreams for love
to be felt,
felt, by all, especially this day.
shaking my head it seems a rather naive sentiment
but… wouldn’t it be lovely…
for the squirrel, leaping across the lawn;
the child, returning home from school;
the grande dame, revisiting her life gone by;
the ones
with no place to call home —no roof over their hearts—
who dream what peace would be like
when only they can rest;
for each one of them to warm, to knowing…
“put them here, in my palm,” I say,
“put your worries, your sorrows here.
allow me to hold them for you
so you know they are being cared for,
so you know they are being looked after—“
“put them here.
allow me to hold them while you
rest, while you
fill up your heart, your mind
with dreams of peace
within a shelter of love.”
take my hand
L.S. 11/23
photoscript:
Photo was taken in the lobby of the historic Algonquin Hotel, NYC, which has been in continuous operation since its debut in 1902. It’s a super cool hotel, oozing with charm, complete with a resident cat named Hamlet.
Visiting NYC is such fun, even on a budget. There’s a magic and energy there that can’t help but fill my bones. But knowing there are those living in desperate need — no matter which city or locale, and no matter due to financial distress or mental illness — is difficult to swallow, particularly in December. Sometimes the only thing we can do is share a meal, or lend a hand, or listen, or get someone help; each of these gestures, however small, can make a difference in someone’s life.
As much as I love Christmas — new essay is coming soon on that very topic! — I think it’s easy to feel overwhelmed this time of year to do, give, be, help, etc., and we can’t be all of that all of the time to everyone. I wrote this piece not out of guilt for not “doing, giving, being, helping,” enough, but to remind myself that doing for others doesn’t always have to come from someone’s wallet (although it can certainly help). Honoring each other can be simpler than we think and comes, first and foremost, from the heart. Here’s an example…
➡️ Did you ever think someone living at what seems like rock bottom, would choose to offer help to someone more privileged than they? There’s a show called the Kindness Diaries by Leon Logothetis, which aired for two seasons. I highly recommend both seasons, but Season 1, Episode 2 is particularly poignant. Pour yourself a cuppa and watch for yourself. 💜
laurie sliben, writer 