Shimmering Darkness

Some days the darkness hangs heavy in my chest

Pervading  . . . seeping into all aspects of self

Thoughts are muddled and energy draining

I slog through sadness

Each step a triumph of will

My soul searches for relief

Finding it 

In the offering of kindness . . .

In the recognition of shared humanity

I look into the eyes of another . . . and smile

I speak friendly or funny words

My bit of spark is received and reflected back to me

Like a shimmery thread of energy

This golden tendril reaches deep within

To my Source

I am briefly connected to another

We have exchanged bits of life

In my darkness there is light

Pain and goodness coexist

Suffering infused with joy

Joy bearing the burden of suffering

Meaning resides

In this place

Of shimmering darkness

How sweet

The ability to speak

And smile

Through the weight

To know

In some small way

I loved another

Today