We walk in circles
sit in circles
talk in circles.
We shoot hoops
on the basketball court
and bathe in the shallow creek
with hoots and hollers
as the cold water
kisses our bare skin.
We light candles
and pray in our rooms
one big prayer
of courage.
Then we listen
to the loud
bulging sound of frogs
and the persistent call of
the whippoorwill.
We are clearing
our minds and hearts
getting out brooms and rags
and buckets of soapy water.
We are packing up old books
and dusting off the shelves.
We are making space
to welcome what emerges
out of the crack
where our hearts have
split open.

By Laura Lasuertmer for The Poplar Grove Muse