Breathe the same breath
the trees in the rainforest breathe
that so brings their vibrancy
to life—
you too can awaken
like that.

Cry the same full-skied tears
the clouds cry
that refresh the world
and nurture
the roots of all things
that will one day blossom.

Connect with the electric vitality
of lightning,
catalyze the exhilaration
of your fire
and strike forth
with your mighty
loving force.

Drink in the same sweet light
the cup of each flower
uses as an ablution
to wash her beautiful,
open face

and restore yourself
with reverence
for the answered prayer
of each breath.

From Let Us Dance! The Stumble and Whirl with the Beloved: Poetry by Chelan Harkin, pages 114-115. Chelan Harkin was our Poet-in-Residence at Awaken 2023, Illuman’s annual men’s gathering.