I wake with the sun, the light
               spilling into my room-
A new day stretching out before me.  
Today’s actions will shape tomorrow,  
Each moment a brushstroke on the canvas of life.  

Innocent years whisper softly
their purity a guiding force,  
Allowing me to dwell peacefully in the present.

The strength of the day lies in its reality
In the desire to face life’s challenges head-on
To find beauty in the mundane

to embrace the complexity of being.  
Each step I take, each decision made
Weaves a story of resilience, of hope.

As I move through the hours
I carry the lessons of yesterday
The promise of tomorrow
And the peace of the present.  

Life’s condition is a tapestry
Woven with threads of joy and sorrow
Strength and vulnerability.

I find solace in the journey
In the act of living each day with intention
With a heart open to the possibilities.  

In the new day’s promise
I find my purpose, my peace
And the strength to embrace life
With all its truths and complexities.

A figure, stern and cold,
receives a laurel leaf with surprise.
No introduction, no warmth exchanged
                . . . just the reality of presence
                 the edge of diffidence . . .

The leaf, tender and green
rests lightly in their hand
a symbol of honour, unspoken worth.
In its quiet embrace,
               a connection begins to form;
bridging the divide of understanding.

The caustic words, the guarded heart,
begin to soften in the face of one gesture.
The laurel invites a new beginning,
a chance to be seen, to be known
beyond the barriers of silence.

Doubt settles like a creeping mist,
clouding judgments, turning paths uncertain.
In its shadow, anger ignites,
a wildfire consuming calm,
its heat searing every thought.

Guilt stands vigilant, a sentinel of past deeds,
binding the heart with heavy links,
its weight a relentless reminder.
Grief walks beside, a silent companion,
its presence a heavy mist,
changing the landscape of the soul.

Shame cloaks itself in invisibility,
a critic whispering in hushed tones,
distorting reflections with harsh judgments.
Under life's pressure, we navigate,
seeking light in the fog of doubt,
finding resilience in the wildfire of anger.

We unshackle from guilt's chains,
embrace the silent walks with grief,
and step into the light,
casting off the cloak of shame,
transforming under pressure,
becoming stronger, shining bright.