do you know that it’s okay 

to be tired, to feel the 

weight in your limbs,

sluggishness of thought,

eyes heavy,

words jumbling out slow?

~~

this does not scream ‘failure’

or ‘something’s wrong.’

this is a natural state signaling 

that rest is needed,

nay, required after seasons

of pushing uphill long.

~~

you do not shame yourself

for requiring air to breathe,

so why do we shun rest,

nonsensically striving to show 

that we are stronger than this

basic human function, unhealthy?

~~

so, if you must be like a bear

and hibernate for extended days

this is okay. you can tuck

yourself up in cave and slumber

as desired because rest is not 

defeat, it is a healthy need.

~~

©Heather Pound 2022

image:Priscilla Du Preez/Unsplash