we might complain about our situation now
" I am so bored I had enough"
" I want to see my friends this is so rough"
" I wish I can go outside and have fun"
" I need to shop for the new stuff"
yet others may smile and bow
" god thank you for keeping me alright"
" thank god I found a place to sleep tonight"
" I am blessed with my family at sight"
" god thank you for the food and clothes you gave in this daylight"

A young man asked me, as if to task me
From where I derived my calm attitude.
I smiled so gently and shared contently
“From awareness, kindness and gratitude.”

He seemed perplexed and a little bit vexed
And asked if this was just platitude.
I smiled again and told my young friend
“Just awareness, kindness and gratitude.”

I extended my hand, to this puzzled young man
Knowing youth often grows through great latitude.
Then he gently smiled and his gaze turned mild
With awareness, kindness and gratitude.

are you coming
better days
?
better days
better days
are you coming
better days
are you coming
?

lick the sky
say goodbye
and be proud
of yourself
that you even tried

are you coming
better days
?
better days
better days
are you coming
better days
?
I am waiting

-
by Aleksander Mielnikow | Alek the Poet

I don't want to be happy
I want to be content

Happiness is too fleeting
Dependent on
neurotransmitters

Contentment on the other hand
Is more viable
It's being thankful for where you are
And with what you have
Without getting too comfortable
In that place

I remember praying a long time ago
For a place of belonging
And A clan
I could call my own

Words are not enough
To describe the emotions
Stirring in my heart
As I see the prayer being
Answered

Behind the mask
I feel my warm breath
Grateful
For the Grace of life

Behind the mask
I don’t need
To speak so much
Grateful
For the Grace of Silence

Behind the mask
I see her smile
In her eyes
Grateful
For the Grace of smiles

Behind the mask
We hug
With smiles
Grateful
For Grace of hugging eyes

Behind the mask
I see all of creation
In the lap of Mother Earth
Hiding
From themselves
Suffering
Behind masks
I pray
Grateful
For the Grace of prayer

I pray
For front line workers
Leaders of nations
Poor and hungry
Sick and dying

I pray
For people and plants
Gardens and dungeons
Earth and skies

I pray
With folded hands
Streaming tears
Wetting my mask
Grateful
To you
For the Grace of reading