I often bring my thoughts 

to where the time can feel more whole.

Where I can start to say 

that all your gems might be more immediate.

Because things are so much smoother 

when the harmony between us tracks,

and I link all of these patchworks

to illicit something more.

Because something feels authentic in this space we carve together;

Something like a gem before it ever turns to stone.

(Image: created with autodraw for web)

There’s a lot I like to see when the sun comes up 

and we turn face to face with a smile. 

And there’s a lot I like to see when the fog goes away 

and there’s daylight where you walk and we’re seen. 

And I see the ways on many days 

how you factor in so greatly 

to what I reflect on.

There’s part of your day where time goes by 

but you capture the moment and you finally exhale. 

And you get into all these thoughts 

with the windows down when you’re closer to home. 

Because these are the minutes and the chunks of time 

where you could almost make it last. 

And it comes around to where you’re standing 

even though there’s all this hour to hour stuff 

that changes all around you. 

So you draw closer 

to what registers more fully in your heart 

and that often translates to so much more.

(Image via @softlandscapes on X.)

There’s a time for all that gets done 

and it’s how you see the best of me. 

But there’s a lot set aside in the meantime 

while you’re caring for other things—

things you want to hold on to 

and hold on to, and hold on to.

But you have to ease the pressure 

and view the whole sky and get perspective,

and that’s where you put aside the outlooks that don’t work anymore 

and open your arms to what brings you further. 

And it kind of becomes a thing 

where all the emotion is built in and you go with that

and you see the love that it took to get there.

(Image: "platinum poet" via @colorschemer on X)

At certain points 

there comes a time 

when you survey all you’re part of and you let it go. 

And that gives you peace 

because you zoom out 

and you take a look around and it’s ok. 

Which gives you fuel to move further forward 

and to calm the waters and keep building. 

Because that’s where it branches out to what we’re fighting for 

even though it’s low key. 

It’s more like what you put your heart into 

from timeframe to timeframe 

when it counts the most 

and you even hope against hope with a smile of sorts.

(Image: 'untitled'. Acrylic on marker paper. A MacKinnon.)

The stages you go through 

are managed bit by bit 

and I see you smile and take off the pressure. 

Because everything smoothed over 

gets you closer to what's needed

but it depends on how you relate. 

And if you look at all you’ve been given to love 

and you find that still doesn't register, 

then pivot, connect, and adjust the balance. 

Because even though it varies 

and the days take a turn, 

it’s always there for you and it’s steady. 

Because those who care are 2 b sheltered 

and those who express what we need to hear are 2 b cared 4.