February 2026 – Picking Up Roots

The Calm Before

a dark blanket 
of calm
covers the world,

Nature is silent,
there is no birdsong,
no wind
rustling through the trees

what sound there is -
what light -
is artificial,

a storm is coming

Permission

give yourself permission
to be
your beautiful
imperfect
self

Connoisseur

are you a connoisseur
of the battles
you fight,

picking only the ones
that align
with your values,

or are you
a street brawler,
looking for action

taking on all comers
and many others
who do not wish to fight;

which moves easier
through life's trials,
who would you be