Contemplative Walk

When you walked around the room

I saw you hurting

in the left foot

the look of uncertainty

clouding over you

I noticed the change

in your pace

as you slowed down

the need to make it right

as you remembered

oh, that’s just the critic again

cackling again

on its own rhythm and cycled return

you can tune it out

and I’m so glad that you did

Your arms then rose in prayer

to the heavens and the angels’ breath

filling the room

I saw your eyes tear

the warm river of release

I felt the stirring of an inner girl

of seven, eight and nine

at the ages of innocence, first knowings

and uncertainty

and I wept for her

as I weep for you

and I held her

the girl in you

who is the girl in me

with frightened eyes

and careful, too careful step

with a too adult need to make

things perfect

holding life in polished rooms

that she cleaned so well

trying to make Them happy

trying to stop their pain

so they might have the time

to notice hers

Yes, I saw all of this

in that tender step

as you walked this room

as you often walk through your life

and I heard you listen

to the sounds of love

from sweet music

to your own quiet sobs

and I loved the moments of holding

you and her in my mind

and the inner landscape

of my very soul