DO NOT BE ASHAMED

of the sunrise that makes you cry

or of the warmth you feel

in your blood when the clouds divide

themselves into sunlight over the lake.

Do not be ashamed of your heart

and the way it grieves

when you see the carnage

we cause in other countries.

Do not be ashamed of the joy

you feel at the skipping child's glee

or of the tantrums you throw

when life leaves you tired or afraid.

No, these are not things

to bring you shame.  Rather, these are

the vital signs of the living,

the green and brown and gold leaves of your life,

the nails in the door of your days

that make you human. These are

the stops and starts that ensure

that you are still feeling in a world

that scoffs at love

or exultation of any kind.