Just as long as you stand, stand by me...

When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we'll see
No I won't be afraid...

- Ben King, Stand By Me (1961)

Transforming

Most of us need to be reminded that we are good, that we are lovable, that we belong. If we knew just how powerfully our thoughts, words, and actions affected the hearts of those around us, we’d reach out and join hands again and again.

Our relationships have the potential to be a sacred refuge, a place of healing, and awakening. With each person we meet, we can learn to look behind the mask and see the one who longs to love and be loved. We can remember to say our blessings out loud.

―Tara Brach

Serenade

Let be the laughter in the hanging gardens
and the dial ablaze, the green man
flourishing his sleeves and up to mischief,

where the cat extends and rolls its silver fur
across a sun-spot, where all points of light
play leap-frog dazzle in a water bowl

and everything is animation, interlace,
the best of being here, a setting-down
on lease from shade and shadow, out

into the primal space, the freely-given
with the cost not counted, where the two of us
lie down together, laughing, and let be.

John Mole, New And Selected Poems, Peterloo Poets 2004