Believing the Guest

Where do all the forgotten

promises land? “I would never

hurt you.” “I will love you forever.”

“What’s mine is yours.”

I have been on both sides.

Sometimes in our frailty

we don’t follow through.

We simply don’t deliver.

But often, we promise

what can’t be promised.

It’s not a matter of lying.

Though sometimes we lie.

More that the hawk’s wings

can’t cover the sky.

A Question to Walk With: In conversation with a loved one or friend, tell the story of a promise you made that proved impossible to keep. How has this experience changed you.

This excerpt is from my book, The Way Under The Way: The Place of True Meeting, 2016 Nautilus Award Winner.

*photo credit: Amy Chung