Contraction

Relax, twinged pain, relax

Dissolve under the hot massage

Drain out beneath the shower

Flow out into the world.

Hard-rounded ball of stone

Release yourself into pebbles.

Lingering lazy pebbles,

Release yourself into pulp.

Merge the pulp into flesh and skin

Let your sorrows be your teachers.

Better prepared for the next battle,

Churned into sweetness and understanding

Your soldiers will embrace the attack

Crushing it against your heart.

Sylvia Munton, August 2013