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May 2024 · 176
The New Normal
After Covid
After the New Normal

What happens after the new normal
When we try to become just normal
When we try to put life back
Can we recreate some semblance of order
When is it the right time to even try
Or do we continue as we have been
Until the hidden enemy is at bay

What happens after the new normal
Is there yet another one
Do we continue to wait
For the rescue
Or does patience get the best of us
Does the world take on another new look
Does it become a quieter, more solitary time

What happens to the new normal
When it becomes just normal
May 2024 · 56
Sundown in the Pink City
White lights glitter against the black grill
The terrace is door open
A view of the plants can be seen
Highlighted by the lowering sun
Creating an impressionistic look

A slight breeze moves through the awning gently moving it back and forth

The light plays against the rose colored buildings giving them a magical hue
It’s almost surreal

Another day is coming to a close as nighttime encroaches
The change from light to darkness is in a holding pattern like an aircraft waiting to land
The shades of pink change as the sun drops

As the sun continues to drop
It’s time to relax and slowdown
People are gravitating to cafes
For coffee and a chat with friends
Evening is on its’ way
May 2024 · 64
Summertime
Hot baked sun streaming down
Intense bright light all around
Penetrating everything
Wilting flowers fighting to live
Lazy cats and dogs seeking shelter and shade
Streets and sidewalks hot to the touch
Laundry put out dries in a minute
It’s summertime once again

Bright blue skies
Sleeveless tops and dresses
Nothing feels comfortable
Beds too hot
No where to sit in comfort
Cold drinks tempting the mouth
Thoughts go to sandy beaches
And soft cool ocean breezes

It’s summertime once again
May 2024 · 56
Cotton Candy
It's 6am on the east coast
Washington DC
Up high, over the horizon is a wide open sky
As far as the eye can see
threads of cotton candy pink streak across the sky against a pallet of
blue/gray.
It is so beautiful, it almost looks surreal and artificially created.
The city has not yet awoken.
It is still, calm and quiet.
A slight, ever so gentle breeze rustles through the trees.
Then, slowly, the pink cotton candy streaks start to blend together
and dissolve into a bright red ball.
As the ball begins to rise, it announces the coming of a brand new day.
A few birds fly by a balcony and land on a ledge to watch the view.
And once again, Washington DC wakes up
May 2024 · 51
Joy
Joy
Every morning I wake with joy
Joy in my heart
Joy in my soul
Every morning I wake with joy
Because of you
You fill my life with love and hope

Every morning I wake with joy
Joy in my day
Joy every hour
Joy every minute
Because of you

Every evening I fall asleep with joy
Because of you
I dream sweet dreams
Filled with joy
I awake refreshed
Filled with joy
Because of you
You fill my life with love and hope
Joy
Apr 2024 · 58
Fleeting
Our time was always fleeting
Never enough
We were always running somewhere else
Yet wanting to be together

Our time was fleeting
Never enough
Sometimes we had an hour
Sometimes a half hour or a few minutes
Before it ran out

We always wanted more
But we never got it no matter what we tried
Our time was always fleeting
Like sand in an hourglass

Delicate like a rose petal or butterfly
Impossible to hold onto
Our time was always fleeting
Until….
Apr 2024 · 280
Existence
I exist
Therefore I am
In this world
However
Am I living
Or just treading water
Avoiding negativity
Hiding from
confrontation
Am I separate
Disconnected
From the world

I exist
But do I live fully
In each moment
Or just go through
Each day
Almost robotic
In movement
I’ve lost my joy
Of life
I find solace
In peace and quiet
I exist
But do not live
Apr 2024 · 52
Busy Streets
Busy streets where I live
Cafés full
People out and about
Signs of life returning
The quiet leaving
For the sounds of the city
Tourists returning
Daily life returning
Bit by bit
All over the world
In cities and towns
Humanity is restarting
A new normal has arrived
After a long time away
Busy streets
Apr 2024 · 48
Dance of the Nuances
The gentle dance of the nuances
The nuances are ever so slight and almost hidden, just a slight difference, or way of being, perhaps even thinking or feeling. Sometimes it seems that they are not even there, invisible to the touch and senses.

From one familiar land to another that is somewhat familiar yet unfamiliar. There is a chemistry to a place, and a rhythm which one needs to fit into and the melody may not be exactly the same. Similar to an orchestra, one needs to find the right instrument and music to play.

The dance of the nuances can happen. Between people, between worlds, between almost anything.
What seemed so sure so many times before may seem unsure now, steps feel a bit uneven as one moves out onto new terrain and unchartered territory. Like a baby bird gathering twigs for a new nest.
But, through each step, learned and accustomed nuance, the unfamiliar starts to become more familiar.
The music to the dance is one of patience, time and learning.
Apr 2024 · 59
Light Keeper
Marginalization diminishes the spirit
Eventually extinguishing it
Until it no longer exists

Whereas when we uplift someone
We enhance the spirit and life

We create spiritual magic
Lift someone up today and help light the world

Each time we do darkness disappears just a little
Light is always stronger than darkness
Be a keeper of the light and a light worker
Apr 2024 · 47
The Teacher
We all have them
Every country
Across the world
They are vital
Some are our favorites
Others are not
But they help to shape us
They inspire
Encourage us
Their time is golden
Priceless
Beyond words
Because of them
We learn and grow
We expand our minds
We learn to think
Beyond ourselves
They are committed
Beyond reproach
It’s a calling
They ask very little
Just that we learn
They are real heroes
Each and every day
Giving of themselves
To lift us up
To help us become
All we can be
We owe them
Everything
Apr 2024 · 48
The Artist
She was well known
Everyone had heard of her
All over the world
Her works were second to none
No other artist could top her
The definition of her pieces
The colors and detail
The choices she made in expression
She was truly the best
She had been around forever
Perhaps since the beginning
Her works were priceless
They were all unique
She was able to touch everything
And everyone
Mother Earth
Apr 2024 · 40
The Field
It is a late spring day
Early afternoon
The sun is out
The sky is a bright blue
There is  a scattering if white clouds across the sky
There is a slight breeze -- not too warm, not too cold
Just perfect
You are sitting in a field of tall grass alone
The grass is a light beige color
The grass sways gently to the breeze and makes a soft rustling sound
The breeze is calming as it touches your face ever so gently
There is no sound only the grass moving to the breeze
You feel complete stillness and calm
You are at peace
Apr 2024 · 56
Sahara Dream
She had gone to see the Sahara
She had never been before
She wanted to see the sun rise
Over the desert
The night before she was in a camp
It was hot at night
Hard to sleep and rest
Before sunrise
She was wakened from her sleep
Time to walk to the top of the dunes
It was hard with the sand shifting
It was almost slippery
Once at the top
She sat down
Her feet dangling over the edge
She waited
Patiently
Quiet and serene
For the moment
That moment
When the sun begins to rise
Over the desert
She was excited, anticipating
The view and experience
After a while
Slowly
The sun began to come up
A bright red ball
Lifting high
It was incredible
Almost indescribable
Natures art
She felt her spirit lift
Towards the heavens
Just as the sun finally came up
Sahara Dream
Apr 2024 · 41
Invisible Mist
A mist, invisible to the naked eye arrived
No one knows for sure where it came from
Some say the Far East
It started to move it’s way country by country
Slowly seeping into every city, town and village
It traveled by air, sea and land
At first undetected
Invisible mist

It can’t be seen, but can be felt
In the deepest recesses of our bodies
It wrecks havoc
Some people are spared the worst
Others suffer greatly
Some heal and others succumb
It shows very little mercy
Invisible mist

Over time since it first arrived
It has covered the world
Animals and plants are spared
Yet humanity has suffered a great deal
Life as we know it has been put on hold
Some call it the pause
Countries have shut down
Streets are empty
Economies stalled
Invisible mist

While we sit and wait
Shuttered inside
For a vaccine and treatment
Knowing any trip outside has risk
Yet tempted by the beauty of nature
The call of the familiar
Haunted by what may happen
In the end all we have is hope
That in time this will pass and become a memory
Hope that we will recover
Hope that we will begin again

Invisible mist
Apr 2024 · 51
Afterwards
The rain is finished now
The city is drying out
With some wet places
It’s quiet
Not the normal hustle
The sky is a muted gray
With a hint of white clouds
It’s a cool morning
Great for walking
There is freshness in the air
Breathing is a pleasure
It’s a beautiful day
Apr 2024 · 55
Luck
May the luck of the wind carry you in times of duress

May the luck of the wind bring you happiness at times of sadness

May the luck of the wind
take you to unexplored places

May the luck of the wind touch
your cheek gently like
butterfly kisses

Let it protect you
Keeping you safe
May it bring you peace and comfort
Apr 2024 · 57
Substandard
She was always the
afterthought
Never thought of first
Ignored
Put in the back
Substandard
She was different
Came from another place
Yet
Where she was
She was an outsider
Never really fitting
Even with her friends
She was an
Afterthought
It hurt
Inflicted damage
She felt she
wasn’t good enough
No matter what
She turned
To writing
For expression
Broken
Substandard
Apr 2024 · 61
Red Velvet Blues
Red Velvet Blues
He’s got the red velvet blues
He loves the feeling of the fabric Smooth and silky to the touch Intoxicating in its beauty
Red Velvet Blues
He once saw a girl wearing one He was mesmerized
He’d never seen anyone like her Nor the dress
Together they were beyond belief Red Velvet Blues
She looked like an angel Almost not human
So beautiful and fresh The dress was stunning So was she
Red Velvet Blues
He asked her to dance
Held her close
The red velvet dress soft to his touch He never wanted to let go

Red Velvet Blues
Even to this day
Many years later
He remembers the girl and that dress He never forgot
She was embedded in his soul
Apr 2024 · 41
The Shield
Ever since she was a child She was protected Something was always there To keep her safe
Like a shield
It was invisible
When she went out
When she was with others While she slept
Whatever she needed
Came to her
When there was hurt and pain She healed
When there was peril and danger She was safe
It wasn’t of the spirit
It was something else
But it was always there Covering her
Protecting her
It would never leave her
It would be there till the end Like a shield
A force of protection
Apr 2024 · 40
Loving Places
Safe spaces
Loving ones
We all need them
They are sacred
Places we can go
And feel safe
Comfortable
Cared about
Stress free
They are very important
To our well being
They can be anywhere
Anything really
Home
Restaurant
Park
A bar
Cafe
Salon
Store
Forest
Beach
Country
It doesn’t matter
What’s important
Is how we feel
When we are there
They bring comfort
Love and care
They are precious
Invaluable
Safe
Apr 2024 · 46
Our True Home
Home can be anywhere
Home can be at anytime
It’s not a location
But a feeling

Home is where the heart is
Home is where we belong
Feels comfortable
Feels safe

Is loved and cared about
Home is everything
We need it in this world
Never let it go
It is a true treasure
Apr 2024 · 41
Lightness
When covered in darkness
Seek the light
Let it cover you like a coat
When full of despair
Seek the light
When the mind is empty
Seek inspiration

When feeling lost
Seek the light
When overwhelmed
Trust yourself to see it through

When nothing seems right
Look to what you have
We all have treasures

When tired and fatigued
Try something new
When bored
Learn something

When the heart is empty
Seek art and music
Let it lift you up

When you feel alone
Help another

Lightness
Apr 2024 · 48
The Island
It was a remote island
Away from everything
Quiet and peaceful
Absolutely beautiful
Very tropical
The ocean was
Turquoise colored
and warm
Like bath water
Surrounded by
White sandy beaches
With the feel of silk
To the touch
Soothing on the feet
Palm trees swayed
In the breezes
All kinds of flowers
All colors and scents
Everywhere
Other types of trees
Abundant flora and fauna
With deep rich greens
Off in the distance
Whales and dolphins
Swim by every now and then
Rising up into the air
A regal sight
It’s pure paradise

Not too far away
Is a small village
Filled with restaurants
Small stores
And places for food
Various other sundries

Music usually plays
In the background
Creating a lazy feel
to the place

She sits on the beach
In early morning
As the sun rises
Watching the waves
Their rhythm
The sound
It’s hypnotic
Like meditation
As she watches
Her mind clears
Her heart slows
And she relaxes
She’s in paradise
Her forever home
Apr 2024 · 50
Winter Moment of Escape
It’s wintertime.
Imagine walking through the snow into a forest full of tall pine trees and others.
Pine cones litter the ground.
There is a strong scent of pine in the air.
Almost like nature’s perfume.
As you stop amongst the trees, all you can hear is the silence.
A slight cool breeze rustles through the trees moving the limbs.
The branches sway back and forth to the rhythm of the breeze.
Snow left on the branches gently falls down slowly, as small flakes.
As they also hit your coat and face.
Before falling to the ground.
You reach out your hand to try and capture one. It melts instantly.
An owl sits up high on one of the branches looking down at you and the world all around.
Every now and then it hoots. As if greeting the night.
The sky is clear, and there is a glimmer of the moon lighting the path ahead.
At the end of the path, is a log cabin with a light on in the window.
Smoke is coming out from the chimney.
You are returning home.
Apr 2024 · 37
Spring Has Arrived
Butterflies, tulips, robins and daffodils
Warm gentle breezes
Leaves beginning to bud
Flowering trees and bushes
Pinks, whites and red
Greenery everywhere
Cherry blossoms out in their full regalia
Bright, hypnotic blue skies
Signs that Spring has once again arrived
Apr 2024 · 42
Open Your Eyes
See what you can see
Feel what you can feel
Touch what you can touch
Take in all the fragrances
See the wonder of life
See me for who and what I am

Take it all in
Look everywhere
See Mother Nature
In all her glory
See the oceans
See the forests and mountains
See the animals
See me for who and what I am
I am Mother Nature

Feast upon the glory of it all
Apr 2024 · 46
Listen
Listen to the music
Let it guide you

Listen to the music
Let it lift you up

Listen to the music
Let it heal you

Listen to the music
Let it touch your heart

Listen to the music
Let it soothe your soul

Listen to the music
Let it make you smile

Listen to the music
Let it show you the world
Apr 2024 · 41
Joy of the Day
Waking up
Letting sleep leave
Early morning rituals
Watching the sunrise
Surveying the blue sky
Enjoying the coolness
Admiring the beauty outside
Grateful
Anticipating the day
Waiting for coffee or tea
Breakfast
What to have
Checking out the news
Being alive
Savoring the pure joy of it
Heart filled with lightness
Apr 2024 · 70
The Forest
When feeling lost
Go to the forest
Smell the trees
Take in the freshness
Let it cleanse you

When feeling unease
Go to the forest
Feast upon nature
Walk amongst the trees
Listen to the wind
It’s talking to you

When feeling confused
Go to the forest
Sit amongst the beauty
Let it calm your soul
Let the beauty fill your heart
Be lifted up

When not sure what to do
Go to the forest
Listen to the answers
It will show you
Let it inspire you
Apr 2024 · 59
Spring on the Horizon
It was a cool sunny morning
Spring on the horizon
The sky had a crispness to it
Sky was bright blue
The cool air was refreshing
Before the heat of summer

Tourists were coming back
After a slight hiatus
People were out sitting at cafe
Coffee and goodies
Some seats were empty
The atmosphere was somewhat muted
It made one long for the coming of spring
It’s just around the corner
Apr 2024 · 156
Light a Candle
Light a candle
Save the world
Sit in stillness and pray
Light a candle
Save the world
Sit in stillness and pray

Light a candle
Ask for help at this troubled time
Stand in the light repelling the dark
Ask for healing for all
Ask for that we may move forward

Light a candle
Lift up yourself
Then lift up the world

Believe
Apr 2024 · 129
Cloudy Gray
Dark cloudy gray day
Coolness to the air
Dankness permeates
Birds on the roof eating
Chirping sounds in the air
Creates stillness and quiet
A cat cozied up sleeping
Looks like rain is possible
Good day for coffee or tea
Inside
Safe and warm
Offers needed respite
Doing quiet things
It offers comfort
Apr 2024 · 51
Nazarene
Nazarene

She comes from afar
She lives overseas
She has for some time
She speaks differently
But that’s okay
She came for a reason
The nazarene

Every morning
She walks up the street
To visit a café
For coffee and croissant
To run errands
To exercise
The nazarene

While she sits
She writes
Poetry
If the muse are there
She listens to music
To inspire
She watches people
She listens
She becomes still
The nazarene

She watches the city
As she walks
She has a strident step
She passes shops
Pharmacies
Bakeries
Hotels
Street vendors
People selling their wares
While she’s different
She’s become
Part of the tapestry
In a way
She belongs
The nazarene
Apr 2024 · 53
Poison Beauty
A red rose is perfect in every way
The blue sky with hints of white clouds is stunning
Oceans with their white capped waves are hypnotizing
Beaches with silky sand cool to the touch
Yet, right now humans are limited
The outside world doesn’t offer much solace
It’s like a poison beauty
Tempting but possibly deadly

How I crave to leave the terrace and walk the streets
To sit at a cafe or bakery for breakfast
To go to the store and not fear what may happen
It’s like a poison beauty
Tempting but possibly deadly

The light breezes blowing across my face
The blooming roses on the terrace
The memories of normality
Haunt me in my memories and dreams
It’s like a poison beauty
Tempting but possibly deadly

Oh how I long for this time to pass
For the ability to come and go
To be free of stress and worry
To feel the stillness and peace again

Poison Beauty
Apr 2024 · 74
Angry Woman
Tired
Over wrought
Frustrated
In need of relief
Hungry for peace
Angry at everything
In need of something new
Anything
A break
Perhaps a new locale
A new food
Travel
She needs more
Harmony
Peace
Less chaos
Less stress
Positivity
Apr 2024 · 57
Gone Just Gone
I saw him last night to say goodbye
The last time we were together before we parted
Not by our choice
We had to
He’s gone
Back where he came from
When I woke in the morning
I had hoped he was still here but he’s not
He left in the murky shadows of darkness
My life left I am now alone left in the gray fog of life
My heart hurts. My soul stings with pain
The brightness has left me
The lightness of being
The humor and fun
He’s gone now
I am here left alone
Searching for him
Always
Apr 2024 · 54
Together then not
They had been together for almost a year
Their time was ending
They had gone out to dinner
In the big city
One last time
Spent time walking around enjoying their time together
They were with her parents
It was spring
The weather was perfect
She wore a lilac colored dress
It was a perfect night
The city was full of magic

Soon they would have to leave
To head back home north
They didn’t want to leave
They didn’t want the night to end
But it had to
They had no choice

When the car came around
They sat in the back
Her parents were in front
As her father drove
They were quiet
Then his hand reached out to her hand
Touching it ever so gently
They sat holding hands the entire drive
Quiet
Together
Apr 2024 · 45
Stand With You
I will stand with you when you hurt
I will stand with you when you feel joy
I will be there in the good and bad
The hard and the easy
The darkness and the light
I will hold you up when you can’t
When you fall to the ground in pain
I will stand with you and lift you up
I will hold your hand to comfort you
And pull you close to me
I will never let you go
If you feel alone
You are not
Just turn around
And you will see
I am behind you
Standing with you
And the light
As I always have been
And always will be
Apr 2024 · 58
Wounds
We all have them
They are a part of life
Some are self inflicted
Others are not
Some come from others
Either close to us or not
But they all hurt
Deeply or shallow
They sting and cut us
Either physically
Or emotionally
There can be scars
After healing
But with some
They never entirely heal
But linger in the recesses
Of our minds and spirits
Triggered by something
To be remembered
Once again
Apr 2024 · 55
Dreams
In my dreams I see a different time
A time of freedom
A time of no isolation
A time when I can go out
Where there is no disease
Where there’s hope

In my dreams I see a different time
A time when I can walk outside
A time at a local cafe or restaurant
A time to sit with friends
A time of hope

In my dreams I see a different time
A time of renewal
A time of creating a new start
A time of a new destiny
A time of hope

In my dreams I see a different time
Apr 2024 · 38
Home
You are standing on a beach.
The sand is warm and soft to the touch.
The sun is out and the sky is a clear brilliant blue

There are a few white clouds in the sky -- very delicate.
The sun is not hot, the air is not cool. It is just right.
There is a light soothing breeze.
There is the smell of salt in the air.

As you look out into the water, you see the color, a light turquoise.
The water dances making the waves look like diamonds sparkling in the light.

As you begin to walk into the water, you do not feel wet.
Your color changes to the same as the water.

As you walk further out into the ocean, your shape and consistency change.
You melt and meld into the sea.
You feel warm, safe and at peace.

You are finally home.
Mar 2024 · 53
Destruction
We are all makers of it
With an action
Or a sharp word
We can bring darkness
Hurt and pain
We can also lift up
Inspire
Create great beauty
Art
Dance
Music
Wonderful things
In an instant
We can bring despair
Hopelessness
Deep pain
Or tremendous light
It’s all about choices
Each and every day
We have the power
To light up the world
If we want
Mar 2024 · 53
The Storm
The man stood out on his balcony
It looked out on the beach and ocean
From there he could see for miles
As he stood there all of a sudden the wind picked up with no warning

It whipped through the trees causing them to bend violently
His wind chimes which were carefully hung outside played a tune mimicking the rhythm of the wind

The sky begun quickly changing color
It grew dark with huge oppressive clouds hanging over the city
The tempo of the waves also changed as the sea grew rough
as they pounded the shore

It was no longer safe to swim or be outside
People began packing up their things to make their way inside
They knew what was coming

A storm

A beach umbrella was lifted up by the wind and went flying down the beach with its owners chasing after it
A book sitting on a chair was carried into the air and dropped into the sea as its owner ran after it

The man watched the scene unfold from his balcony laughing
While he watched, his tea kettle started to whistle on the stove
He was making a cup of tea

As he finished brewing the tea his cat woke up and went outside to survey the situation

When his tea was ready, the man brought it outside to the balcony and sat with his cat gently sipping the tea watching the scene
He enjoyed the taste of lemon and inhaled the scent of it like perfume

All of a sudden his cat quickly got up and retreated inside
The man knew his cat could sense the storm coming before he would
He quickly turned and followed his cat just in the nick of time
Just as they left, and closed the door, the sky opened up pouring heavy rain

The storm had indeed arrived
Mar 2024 · 55
Greek Magic Moment
You are on a Greek isle
There’s a bright blue sky
With a few white clouds
Bright fuchsia flowers
Adorn the area
The ocean is sapphire blue
Nearby is some laundry
Hanging in the wind
Bright white sheets
Just washed
That move to the rhythm
Of the wind
Giving off a scent
Of cleanliness
It’s calming and hypnotic
Magic
Mar 2024 · 52
Sherlock Holmes Morning
It’s a gray, foggy Sherlock Holmes looking morning outside

The sky is painted in dark muted colors
It resembles a black and white photo

There’s heavy gray mist floating amongst the trees
The streets are barely visible and deserted

There’s an eerie silence outside
It’s almost too quiet
Looks like a mystery movie about to begin
Mar 2024 · 37
Slivers of Hope
When one is surrounded by clouds of darkness
When the burden feels to much to handle
When life is crushing you down
Seek the small light shining in a distance
It will guide your way
It is destiny waiting
It is these small slivers of light that give us hope
They help us try again
They help us begin again
To look for better days
They help to lift us up
Believe
Mar 2024 · 49
The Ones Before Us
They walk among us
They have always been here
They are the ancient ones
Teachers
Guides
They are everywhere
They are part of the earth
Quiet
Listening
Watching
Protecting
They are of the spirit
More than the body
Their faces reflect light
They have seen things
Back to the beginning
They understand
Our purpose
Why we are here
They carry peace
Harmony
In their hearts
They are part of
Everything
And beyond
Mar 2024 · 67
The Joy of the Day
Waking up
Early morning rituals
Watching the sunrise
Surveying the blue sky
Enjoying the coolness
Admiring the beauty outside
Anticipating the day
Waiting for coffee or tea
Breakfast
What to have
Checking out the news
Being alive
Savoring the pure joy of it
Mar 2024 · 46
The Gift
From a day of pain can come light and comfort
Imagine a clear but lightly shaded gray day
A smattering of puffy gray clouds dot the sky
A cool but not cold air and breeze fills your lungs
The smell of salt and the sea
Sounds of waves crashing to the shore
Soft, silky sand runs through your bare feet and toes
Sitting in the sand half buried sits a glass crystal ball almost glistening
It is about the size of a grapefruit, perhaps a bit larger
As you pick it it up to look at it, you notice a piece of red velvet inside along with a note written on white paper
You open the ball and take out the note to read it
You are instructed to touch the areas where you feel pain and then touch the red velvet inside the ball
You then close the ball back up and return it where you found it and then continue walking down the beach
As you turn around to look at the glass ball one more time you notice it has risen off the ground and is shooting towards the sky where it all but disappears
A short time later you hear an explosion in the sky
As you look up, the sky is a
deep gold color
Threads of gold start to rain down and as they touch you they become golden stars before vanishing
You notice any pain you had is now gone and all you feel is peace and comfort
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