Gives Way

Gives Way

Just exhale.

We both now arrive
at this brief poem,
holding these simple words,
in this distinct moment.

What is your breath
also carrying with it
as it leaves your body?

My body clings to worry,
overcome by uncertainty
and a heavy sadness.

My soul says,
keep breathing,
and breathing,
and breathing.

With patient repetition
my pulse begins to slow
and my worry gives way
to a subtle gratitude.

---

Whenever I feel blue,
I start breathing again.
~ L. Frank Baum