FOR MY SISTERS, OF ALL GENDERS

Right now,

somewhere

a mullah is having a change of heart 

and unveiling his mind.

Right now, somewhere,

a woman is giving birth

for the first time

to a girl who would’ve been killed

and instead is kissed.

Right now, somewhere,

daughters with skin shining

like sun through a prism

are welcoming their father home

from prison.

Right now, somewhere,

a heron is flying over a lake

to meet her mate

at sunset.

Right now, somewhere,

a woman is resting

from her labors

and watching the trees

draw breath.

Right now, somewhere,

a sister is forgiving all the men

who harmed her–

and herself as well.

Right now,

right here,

a finger slips across a glowing screen, 

hoping to caress someone in need.

Right now,

right here,

I have what I need

and peace like clear water

wells up,

flows down.

Right now, if I could,

I’d raise my cupped hands

to your lips

filling your tongue with such wonder–

such love.

This–

this is how heaven

hides beneath headlines

and in the warmth

of smiling eyes.

Somewhere,

right now,

children are laughing,

grandmas are gardening,

and someone is standing

in a beam of light

opening a door for us

whispering

Welcome, my loves.

Welcome home.

(and maybe, just maybe

that someone

is you.)