How to Be Free

I was asked recently to think
about when I feel most me

And my mind wandered
to just last week

My neighbor saying he’s okay
just okay
so I reach out a hand

Whether he takes it or not
it is in that
in the offering
in the knowing that offer I make is real
in the blanketing of him in love and care
without needing to know what’s there

And if he does take me up on it
it is in the knowing I can effectively help
that I can be stability
in a world of confusion
that I can listen with grace
to whatever it is he has to say

And if he doesn’t, well
at least he’ll know someone is there
and willing and cares

And isn’t that bright spot
what we all need?

It’s that, in being that
when I feel most me and most free