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

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