be gentle

Be gentle with what’s about to happen. —Elias Amidon

I awaken
squint at the clock
1 a.m.
creep out of bed
sleepily grab my tablet
glance at news
big blunder
I know better
but I’m human
and so fallible

living rolls in
a turbulent ocean
giant waves, little waves
shaping the shoreline
vessels turn slowly
no control
of what’s coming
except my response

a headline jolts
and my belly tightens
not going there
set the tablet aside
pick up Rumi instead
a gentler reflection

2024 ©Amrita Skye Blaine
I’m writing a poem a day. These are drafts—not final versions.