Community is the thread that
Keeps humanity tethered.
It reminds us we are one.
We are not separate or alone.
Our struggle is not just ours
Alone to bear.

We all share this one blue, green planet.
And luckily we get to
Share the same day and year.
What troubles you
I have been there.

Although your story is 
Uniquely your own 
by your own experience
and senses,
I have felt that too
On my own life’s journey.

It can feel hard to open up
To share our struggles
Without fear of burdening another or
adding more to the stress 
of everyday life.

And when we put up blinders
Or put up a protective guard,
We become impenetrable to
Another’s suffering and
Inadvertently build walls of separation.

I want to know what lights you up.
What life lessons have you learned? 
What cherished memory do you want to remember?
What do you wish you could forget?
What do you wish you could hold on to 
And linger there for just a little longer?

Our stories bind us
And remind us
Of our common humanity:
Our fears, our woes,
Our aches, our loss, our love
Our ecstasy, our shame
Our joys and pain.

Our authentic truth
Must be shared.
The truth comes out eventually.
Why not share some common ground
And held space for one another?

Today can we be present and listen
Without agendas or distraction?
Our presence is the present
We give to each other
Each and every day.