Heart Country

This is heart country

and everyone here has their tender places,

everyone has the deep hollows

they can get lost in,

and if you step in them you sink way down

Walk easy

for this is heart country,

home of breaks and bruises

and of grateful, boundless love.

All who have hearts can see each other

if their eyes are open

Tread carefully, for each heart is different

and the paths to understanding

have many false turns,

but if you keep your own heart clear

you’ll find the steps

that lead you ever inward

to the common hearth.

©Wendy Mulhern

September 26, 2016