Ever-Whelmed

I wear your words upon my skin,

whether for good or ill.

What would you have writ large

for all the world to see?

~

I am ever-whelmed,

but with what would you have it be…,

the cruelties we inflict

or simply those we see

& to which we

would bear witness?

Poverty, illness,

death & destruction

inflicted by nature’s hand,

those of others,

or those that would find me

more culpable?

~

Nay!

Though they be whelming,

to these I will never surrender

but always endeavor

to find a kinder,

more gentle

sustainable way.

~

And yet I shall be

ever-whelmed,

not by the nightmares,

cruelties & injustice

we both suffer & exact

all around, but

by these little kindnesses

to which I bear witness

each & every day.

Yes!

By these

& in every wonder that is,

I shall be

ever-whelmed.