There was a gentle knock

on The Door.

Wasn’t ready to see,

to engage with,

The Tender Bits

in-side

nervously fidgeting,

worrying,

concerned

about what they were sensing

from the out-side.

Better to ignore

the knock

to scroll

endlessly;

much easier to delve

into other people’s lives

dramas, and belief systems.

Learning, staying informed

the justifications applied

here, now.

Judgement, the bile that arises

when the scrolling

finally

ceases.

Anger,

shame,

guilt,

searing self-recrimination!

Oh no, not this again!

Such utter waste of precious

time and attention!

Why so weak?!

In the midst of spiraling

into the familiar Abyss,

a faint voice

in the Wilderness,

Patience,

calling for restraint,

for kindness,

generosity

and self-compassion.

Breathe, she suggests.

Next time, perhaps,

see if we can just take

a slight look

at The Door.