Move far from that corner of despondency! Of course, there is no turning away from the reality of enormous pain and suffering. But friend, you cannot continue to resonate at the frequency of fear and isolation. You are not a pinned butterfly; flit to blossoms Of bravery, empathy, self-love, optimism. Why staple your psyche to doom and gloom? Don’t let repeatedly destructive ways Corkscrew their way into your guts.
Must you stay buried under the ruins of trouble? Come, slash the scary shadows of the rubble With a beam of your soul’s life-affirming light. Celebrate yourself for the countless battles won resolutely, against the lashing waves of life; Though victories be small and moments humbling, give yourself a pat - it is your just due. You’ve boldly navigated the troughs and crests Withered every storm, cruised safely ashore, Toast with jubilation your re-emerged true self.
First published in 2023 in Manushatvam - Songs of Humanity - We Rise by Lifting Others Editors - Dr. Roopali Sircar Gaur and Prasanna Kumar
