Meditation

[A rough first attempt at poetry.]

Light the candles,
ring the bell.  
Inhale, exhale, 
deep and cleansing breaths.  

Inhale...  one, two, three, four...
and
exhale...  one, two, three, four...

Inhale,  
I am going to be so calm.  

Shhhhh, yes it feels good, now listen.  

Inhale... one, two, three, fo-
maybe this time I can breathe out longer than I breathe in! 

Shhhhhhhhhhhh!! Listen.  

Exhale, one... two... 
Inhale, one-

Such weak breathing.  
You frustrate me! Be quiet!
 

...Please.  

Let’s try again.  

Inhale... 
peace.   
Exhale...  
strength. 

Inhale...  
Exhale...  
Inhale... 
I am aware.
Exhale... 
I am safe.  
Exhale...  
Inhale...  

I love my quiet mind.  
Shhhh, shhhhh.

A smile...

I adore you.  Listen with me. 

Inhale... 
Exhale...   
I am here.
I am home.  

I am.

I am.

I am.

A flicker, crackle from the candle,  
the room has gone cold...  

The curious chill caresses my fingers, 
invites me back...

My gentle smile, my gratitude.
Such gratitude, my silent tears.

Shhhhh, listen, hold me a little longer. 

sweet silence...  

Inhale, 
calm...  
Inhale,  
exhale... 

Wiggle fingers, flutter open gentle eyes  

Inhale.  
Exhale. 

Safe.
Kind.
Loving. 
Beloved.

I am.