inspirit
note to self

inspirit—enliven, quicken
incite or encourage
this is the invitation
you extend to yourself—

offer a blessing as you
bury the sparrow that
slammed the pane, his
carmine body still warm
in your palm—
celebrate your grandniece
with a wide smile
she spins in her tutu
and wiggles a tooth

embodiment requires
we swallow it all—
the whole messy stew
gracious folk and
meanspirited ones
work that is tedious or
fascinates, family members
who abruptly die—
surprises abound and
change can dismay
dear one—inspirit yourself
no matter what appears

2022 ©Amrita Skye Blaine
I’m writing a poem a day. These are drafts—not final versions.