I am in this room. A place where

People gather often alone. There are

Separate moments taking place

Everywhere. Yet it all seems close

~

In each interaction a choice is made

To say hello with our eyes or just

Toss our glance back to a computer

Screen …

~

We all have a façade that we

Work really hard to contain

Now if we can let go the negative

Connotation – façade, fake, pretend

~

We might recognize value in each individual

~

Interaction

Table crossing

Physical adjustment

Spilled coffee

Unmuted favorite song

– and now listen –

~

We don’t have to be different

We can all love and laugh

We can avoid the insecure scrutiny

That makes pretend our reality

~

By being present, we do exist

Long enough for the person nearby

To recognize a feature of your identity

So, that isolation might be in vain

~

Unless, of course

If we take a long walk in the forest

Continue going forward over brush and tree root and rocks

Come upon the edge of a cliff after miles of hiking

Without looking back

We then do find ourselves alone without anyone seemingly …

… Watching

~

Nature’s grasp upon our soul

Allows our physicality to interact

As human beings God’s peace exists

What happens when listening walks away?