John O'Donohue

And patiently learn to receive the self
You have forsaken for the race of days.
You have traveled to fast over false ground;
Now your soul has come to take you back.
Take refuge in your senses, open up
To all the small miracles you rushed through.
Be excessively gentle with yourself.
Stay clear of those vexed in spirit.
Learn to linger around someone of ease
Who feels they have all the time in the world.
Gradually, you will return to yourself,
Having learned a new respect for your heart
And the joy that dwells far within slow time

John O’Donohue, from For One Who Is Exhausted

Heavens Reprieve

I unwrap the paper
Recycle the waste
I read the words
That proclaim our fate
”You all leave
You all doubt
You all hold in
Incredible amounts
Release & breathe
Feel the tugs on your sleeve
Trust the moment
Allow it to be
Sing your own praises
Through windblown trees”
She beckons me forth
To heavens reprieve

Tricia Schwaba, from the archives