Let happiness win

I’m being more conscious with my language.

(I’ll mess up. That’s okay.)

–

Absolutes ignite fires of distorted perceptions,

and I’m afraid to keep searing half-truths.

Instead,

–

In anger,

I will caress eruptions back to earth.

Not hurl accusations that spark,

like “you never – “

Or hyperboles that scorch,

like “and every time – “

–

In love,

I will whisper truths from my core.

Instead of blowing grandiose smoke,

like “only you – “

And platitudes that crack,

like “more than anyone – “

–

In friendship,

I will remind myself we are human.

Rocky and charred in different ways,

but glowing in our kindled connection,

and holding each other close through the blaze.

–

Still, I will remember

warm water always soothes the aches,

and every touch felt like hand warmers on a sub zero Blue Hill day,

so not all absolutes go up in flame.

–

With every word, I will

– carefully –

let go of ones that blister the skin,

in favor of those that soothe the burn.