by Fiona Bolger

the dry of now requires damp
the closeness requires space
the heat requires cold
the busyness requires calm
the company requires aloneness

memory can be a balm or a torture
savor with all your senses the now
the busy, chattering days of heat
knowing that during the long cold
loneliness of winter
there will be days when the fire will not light
and your friends won’t call

if, squirrel like, you learn to secret away moments
you will never lack for strength
in weakness you can recall your power
in misery your joy
in anger your calm actions
feel fully then distill, concentrate
that you may find
balance, peace