Chasms 

The funny thing about chasms, is that they start off small.

First, it’s the fall. 

Maybe a miss, a mistake.

Yet it will scratch the ego, in ways we can only try our best to fake.

You see, those abrasions at the top don’t just stay scratches,

They form chasms.

Each need unmet at the time of the fall creates punctures in our heart.

A part just big enough to create a void. 

Though small at first, if we don’t fill that space,

In years to come, that void will begin to fill a place.

Growing a sprout from the inside out, Showing us sin from the outside in.

It teaches us falsely again, and again. 

Then, it’s what we call an addiction.

Friction between our body and mind, an affliction to the soul, a hole in our spirit.

Fear it as we may, everyone is an addict of some sort.

Though not all of us are indicted through a grand jury in court,

Greed in some form is eroding people’s support.

Unless, we confess our past mistakes both as individuals and a people, 

Pour our heart into something as simple as non-violent communication.

Only then can the light of peace shine through.

Born anew we can see the world, our inner mast coming unfurled.

At last, we can set sail to prevail over this collective sea of dysfunction.

To chart a course for the horizon of love-filled harmony.

For those chasms in the hearts of the hurt are meant to be filled.

Not with things,

Nor even with love for others.

But lined with the vines of love for ourselves.

And that would be the end… 

Yet what I haven’t said is,

Yet what we don’t talk about enough is,

Ethical self love.

Integrity, morality, dignity; not just in bumper stickers but in action.

The things that truly fill the chasms with bountiful seeds.

Even though what’s eroded and blown away in the wind, will not return.

Even so, we can begin afresh.

Not enmeshed with what is valued as right, but rather the principles of righteousness.

Not with our body’s fight, flight, freeze, or please, but with the heart’s seeds of empathy.

We can cleanse this historical sea of darkness.

Remove pain’s affinity of salinity.

For once we remove the salt, mutual understanding will lead to a community.

This is how we transform that dim ocean into a bright verdant field of unity.

Where our firm roots connect to others’ humxnity, uprooting the corrupting weeds of vanity.

To close the chasms not only in ourselves,

But between each and every one of us.

Even you. 

You too.