honey and sting

Yom Kippur

Absorb healing where you will.
Stay in bed until sated, given the option.
Tend growing things, be the bearer
of water, of sun,
and learn, though it pains you,
to prune what's withered and dry.

Enjoy quiet, but learn to harmonize
with uninvited sound, which may,
with your cooperation, your kindness,
and some skill, ascend to music.

Remember your body.
Be intrigued with its desires
and at peace with its surrenders.
There is so much joy to be had
in a simple touch.

Clear your mind, using whatever practice
you're most likely to keep,
and send off your wishes, your prayers,
even, or especially, if you don't know
where they're going.
The act of requesting expands you,
standing in the place of one
who is entitled to require
that the universe respond.
Desire, pay attention to, and nurture
the good, in others, and in yourself.

You have this right.
You have claimed it.
Claim it again.

This is the day, not of audacity,
but of simple truth.
Stand in it
and know
who you are.