All of our voices
matter.
If one cannot speak those words
without a crinkle across the brow
or a twitch in the shoulders
then equality is not a value of yours
and this blessing is not
for you, for now.

There must be a full acknowledgment
that we are all created, all fallen,
all capable of good, all susceptible to failure,
all worthy of respect, all in need of grace.

Are you ok with that
at the core of your being?

If no, return to the top. Say those words
again and again and again
until they seep down into the roots
of who you know yourself to be.
It’s not too late to change your mind
or your heart.
Peace, joy, calm await you.

If yes, allow these words
to gently pour over your life,
from the top of your noble crown,
down to the humble pads of bare feet.

May you be surrounded by a wall of support
May you be abundant in creativity
May you be treated with dignity
May you be protected by wisdom
May you be confident in discernment
May you be loved with wild abandon;
May you fully know that you are valued and valuable.

Go, and live this blessing over others.

Originally published in Objects Things Stuff—Messy Bits We Carry Around (Dark Thirty Poetry Publishing, 2025).

SDG