The Work of Care

 

I’m not sure I can help

but my heart wants to try.

Oh, I can shop for you or

bring you dinner.

I can even help you up

should you fall.

But when the hunger is

inside, when the break is

where no one can see,

then all we can do is be

a greenhouse for each other.

--Mark Nepo

Even in the Dark

 

To be broken is no reason

to see all things as broken.

This is the trick to staying well, isn't it:  to feel the sun even in the dark.  

To not lose the truth of things when they go out of view.  

To grow just the same.  

To know there is still water, even when we are thirsty.  

To know there is still love, even when we are lonely.  

To know there is still peace, even when we are suffering.

None of this invalidates our pain,

but only strengthens our way back in the light.

--Mark Nepo 

Drinking from the River of Light

 

There are those who water

the seed of light that no one sees.

They are visionaries.

And those who hold others, feeling

the power of what they can become.

They are teachers.

And those who care enough

to love the truth of what-is

until Heaven is revealed

here on Earth.

They are sages.

Few are celebrities.

Few are rich.

The best

are often silent,

deflecting attention,

bowing to the gift.

This is for them

and their lineage

and the hope 

that we can do this

for each other.

--Mark Nepo

[Photo of Amazon River, Brazil]