centered
and self-centered
are not the same thing

so persist
so resist
the voice that chastens
for seeking within

the road to understanding
and to compassion
toward others

passes through the land
of growing
to know
and to be kind
to ourselves

when i sit
in silence
when i confer with a friend
or with a counselor

when i probe
my own past
or when i try
to fathom my mind
in this moment

i’m not taking anything
from others
and one gem is preserved
for myself as well

tomorrow’s me
will always remain
a mystery