Maybe it was the smile

I received by a man

with an old weathered face,

struggling to stand.

Or maybe the girl

who opened the door

despite her load being heavier

and her arms being full.

Maybe it’s the sound

of my dog’s gentle snoring

which woke me up today,

but I couldn’t help adoring.

It could be the way

the sun drew lines across your skin,

reminding me of your flesh,

your bone, and your sin.

Reminding me of my own

humanly state of being,

and for once I felt okay,

not quite knowing the meaning.

For I don’t have all the answers,

as to what this life means,

or where I’ll end up,

or what I will see.

But I know in this moment,

the rain doesn’t hit my skin,

like pebbles being cast

again and again.

The air doesn’t feel so

unbearably cold,

and the echoes or sirens

no longer seem to scold.

I take a deep breath,

breathing in the aromas,

of the smoke and the gas,

which almost smell like roses.

I take a deep breath,

and for once I feel free,

breaking from the ropes

of my own stress and sorrows,

breaking from the worries

of the unknown tomorrow.

For in this moment,

The world seems to stop,

and I can

finally

feel

alive.

About My Poem:

"Flesh" was inspired by connection. So often, I forget the blessing of being surrounded by people, both familiar and unfamiliar to me. I was inspired by our ability, as individuals of the world, to impact other peoples’ days positively by simple gestures of kindness. It is important to smile at strangers, hold the door open for people, or even just ask someone unfamiliar how he/she is doing.

Ultimately, it is this small connection that helps remind me that I am not the only one who doesn’t quite know the meaning of life or how to get through the hardships. No one has it all figured out, and it is important to remember this when you feel lost and weighed down by your burdens. We are all struggling with our own troubles, but if we could appreciate the presence of the people that surround us, we could find hope in knowing that we are not alone.

May someone smile at you kindly today, and may you find peace in accepting the events that life throws at you. Focus on today, focus on this moment, focus on yourself, and focus on the beauty of the marvelous people in the world.