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Stillness

by Julie Brandon

Is it okay to stand still?

To stop grasping for the golden ring?
To stop searching for the golden ticket?
To stop wondering if there’s a pot of gold at the rainbow’s end?
There isn’t, by the way.

So many heartbeats used to chase the unattainable or undesirable.
All of those breathless moments climbing a ladder
That’s rickety and certainly not mine
Stretching beyond my reach for that elusive thing
To make my life complete,
Often leading to complete chaos in the end
Instead of sitting in silence,
Waiting for the answers, even the unexpected ones.

A stillness that isn’t inertia or disinterest or boredom.
At close glance, there may be a twitch of the lips, a flutter of the eyelids,
A slight shifting of weight to adjust for whatever comes,
A stillness not dependent on achievement but on patience.

My roots are deep, my leaves unfurled, touching the wind
As I learn to be still.


Copyright © 2023 by Julie Brandon

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