there it is again

that pesky thing that has been

nattering away inside your brain

all day and every day lately.

 

buzzing here and there

sapping energies

as you try your level best

to avoid its irritation

getting dutifully on with the day

 

but there it goes dashing and bouncing

and there you are, even more weary still.

 

this thing, it will continue to irritate

and just like a child in need

it will keep on saying, “look at me!”

until you stop all else

and attention give.

 

after all, don’t we all still have

that child still inside, the one that

desperately tries to speak,

 

aching to be heard and part of

the basics of our make up

that tells us what we need.

 

so, even when uncomfortable

inconvenient, reluctant even,

we must lean right in to listen

let it land upon and pierce the skin.

 

sometimes, whether you like it or not,

dear friend, you must just feel the sting

—because then the wound can heal.

 

Heather Pound 2023

photo by Cathi Geisler