we know the taste sweet 

because of bitter, 

of joy because of pain,

of peace because of turmoil,

this enormous sense of 

treasure held deep within 

because we also know of loss.

~~~~~

one really does not exist 

without the other.

~~~~

this does not make the 

painful portions much easier 

to bear, but it does invite us 

to value, to notice, and to relish 

in the good, and by default, 

be more accepting of the rest.

~~~~

when painful comes to call

consider this. and when the

world is full of sunshine and

smiles, soak that in as well.

gather from each day what  

is given, and you will find 

more balance in the end.

~~~~

©Heather Pound 2022