NaPoWriMo 10 – Things I’ve Learned from You

To be strong but not hard
To be firm but not inflexible
To be principled but not holier-than-thou
To be traditional but not archaic
To be compassionate but not condescending
To be cautious but not crippled by fear
To be honest but not hurtful
To be disappointed but not despairing
To be cool under fire but not cold-hearted
To disagree but not disrespect
To make plans but not chisel them in stone
To set expectations but not beyond reach

To live with eyes, mind, and heart open
To love fully and freely

NaPoWriMo 11 – tanka

Some days you want a
blushing sunrise, heralding
bright blissful hours.
But some days a steady rain
is really all that will do.