Evening benediction
Live to Fight Another Day
What if someone looked at you compassionately
while you kicked and raged, and said,
“Dear one, you seem tired and hungry.
“Here is a snack. I will keep guard while you eat,
stave off the demons while you rest.”
What if you said that to yourself?
Don’t worry—I’m not saying you have to stop worrying.
I know you can’t. But you can catch up on worrying later.
Feed yourself. Lay your body down gently.
Let your angel-self stand guard for an hour
over your precious animal-self, who needs
nourishment, care, grooming, rest.
Hold off the demons for a little while
and return to the battle fresh.
Live, in other words, live
to fight another day.
From Blessings for the Long Night: Meditations and Poems to Help You through Depression