ODE TO A BOOKMARK
Paper, metal, playing card
You set the mark, hold my place
Chart my course in outer space
Ribbon, leather, shopping list
You trace my path in mysteries
Remember my spot in histories
Long, short, skinny, wide
You log suspense ‘til it proceeds
Corral the site in cowboy deeds
Yet Bookmark, oh my bookmark,
I do have this one concern , , ,
You’re often left in the books I return!
*****
© LJR 2024
THE HEART OF IT
Getting to the heart of it . . .
No one said this would be easy.
When they shrug aside your worry
Can you disregard this swerve?
Or if they choose to obfuscate
Can you recognize smokescreens?
When they say it’s complicated
Can you resist the urge to simplify?
If sharing makes them apprehensive
Can you help them to feel safe?
If what they fear is judgement
Can you provide an open mind?
Yes, getting to the heart of it . . .
Do you doubt what you can do?
You aren’t trained in psychology
You’re not a pastor or a priest
But perhaps what you can offer
With listening ear and caring heart
Is much more helpful than you know.
*****
