the arrival of understanding
when mutual compassion
and mutual gentleness
allows each of us to be
in each other’s company
peacefully
no concerns of acceptance
or denial
when i am old enough
and wise enough
to stand close
even when it is
difficult
to not be hurt
when my way
of existence
causes hurting
to know that the
aches are not
mine alone
to be stone
when and where i must
to be water
also
to not always be fire
burning away
haphazardly
narinda heng 