We put on the smile
We put on the desired life
Because we’re unsure at what point we forgot that a true smile isn’t self-aware
We put on the face
We put on the filter
Because we’re unsure at what point we forgot how a baby blinks in wonder at the world
The anxiety is thick on the skull
The mind attempts to squeeze peace into a tightly-packed place
But the pressure has been building for too long
There is no other option
We aren’t sure when we left behind our innocence for the clothing of worry
So we keep putting on the smile
Chasing the desired life
Because we’re starved of love
Searching for one
And fake won’t fill
Pleasure won’t pour
The heart will still come away
e m p t y
u n l e s s
We listen to the heart ache
l i s t e n
In the morning the ready heart
In the night a quiet cry
s s h
Follow the pattern of a day
All the thoughts running astray
What meaning is made
Toss over the phrase
Enter into the page
The word is life
A letter of love
Each day can turn to praise
When you reframe the gaze
Turning away from
What is here
What is now
What has been
And instead to
What is to come
and
Who has overcome
There is only one who fills
One who stills
“Be Still, My Soul”
by Catharina von Schlegel
…
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly, Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
