Go where it’s warm
is perhaps the best advice
we can offer each other
in times of distress—
a pair of arms held out
in the hospital room,
or mugs of mint tea
taken together at the table
of mourning. You feel it
as a force field, an orbit
you slip into as soon
as you meet someone new
and sense that small,
blazing star pulsing
in their chest, drawing
you closer until you know
you’ll be circling that
source of light and heat
for the rest of your life.
~ James Crews
From the lovely book Unlocking the Heart: Writing for Mindfulness, Courage and Self Compassion. Learn more about James Crews, his poetry and his offerings at https://www.jamescrews.net