Most mornings I sit watching
fearful thoughts of the future,
listening to crackles of the radiator
and my husband’s reassuring
sounds while sleeping.
The breath flows easily
like an unblocked river
on its way to an ocean of Oneness-
breathing in suffering
breathing out compassion,
taking in care
releasing anxiety,
opening a little more each day
to COVID-19 destruction,
even death if that is my destiny.
It’s a miracle to make it to this day
hearing the wind whisper my name
in celebration of all the years lived,
knowing that this breath will
one day inhabit a new body
for the chance to continually
practice Kwan Yin’s vows
hearing the cries of the world.