when you smile
I see the little girl
who was full of awe
about the wonders
of this world
had a sense of adventure
a believe that
anything was possible
and could be achieved
with lightness and joy
seeing you smile today
makes my soul dance
with happiness
as I can see
that despite  the challenges of life
the little girl has survived

I watch him
shaping a mug
on the pottery wheel

fully concentrated on the task
he firmly pushes down the clay
and then gently pulls it up
to create the perfect mug

I wonder if I will feel
his strength and gentleness
when I drink from his mug

you
me
harmony

she woke up
in the middle
of the night
and realized
that she had
to leave him
if she wanted
to regain
her untroubled self

why
can I not
follow through
on things
she asks

I remain
silent
hoping
somebody else
will know
the answer

she listens
to the bell
striking twelve times
after the last stroke
she writes down
her resolution
for the new year:
to be true to herself

she sits
in her comfy chair
looking back
at the year
and sighs
what holds me back
to do the things
I yearn to do
what paralyses me
when I decide to change
well worn habits
what sabotages
all my plans
carefully designed
to improve my life
she takes a deep breath
hoping to find the answer
to all her questions