when in doubt
note from self

don’t wait for it
hoping the state of
the world will improve
likely it won’t
so choose joy now
pick joy each time
your heart drops
anger overwhelms
grief pierces
honor the hard stuff
that’s the first step
it deserves heeding—
turning away
isn’t the answer
no one said this
was light-hearted
banter, our world
oh, no
but you can choose
joy—the cast of light
how it gilds leaves
at dawn
birds come awake
singing the sun alive
the morn is fresh
it is new and it
longs for your joy

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