The Lightest Hand

I am bargaining again
with the ambiguity
of my emotional cornerstones;

joy at waking to the gold finch
at the window feeder
is non-negotiable,
and the callous attitude
regarding the dynasty
of breath after breath;
a willing wisdom,
requires safe discernment.

Laughter will transpire
to overtake me
before despair or silent suffering
can find a foothold on the climb
out of bed.

The spirit of love
will not be deleted
or crushed into ash at my feet.
The essential nature of all kindness
is a contract written
with the lightest hand
in the ink of the heart.