Feeling

Too often we forget this truth: that we were made to feel

We spend our time denying that our hungering is real

Instead we paint ourselves the way we think we "ought" to be

Afraid to leave our hearts exposed, denied internally

We're told our pain cannot be true, nor sadness, fear or doubt

For what we feel is often false and not what we're about

Yet in this lack of honesty with what we hold inside

We spend our time refusing to let feeling be our guide

Expressing not our perfect hearts but selves of imitation

Leaving authenticity to wait for revelation

Why listen to the words of those who tell us we are wrong

When we try to sing with voices that express our inner song?

One day we all will learn to shout the truth of human spirit

But Truth can only fall to hearts and ears that want to hear it

-C. O'Connell-