Submitted by rode on November 13, 2020 - 11:33pm

                            Sometimes we just don't get it
                               how things could be if we were free
                                  no one watching to say we're wrong
                                     but living life and letting live

                                          Instead so many are ready to pounce
                                             if a hair's out of place
                                                jumping on one thought like it means more
                                                  than what it is
                                                     a thought, just a thought...

                                                         We live like thoughts mean more
                                                            and we think too much
                                                              and act too little
                                                                 dream like little escapists
                                                                  and forget to just be

                                                                    Staring at my girl and boy
                                                                     sleeping like angels on a pillow of dreams
                                                                      realizing the sheer innocence in danger
                                                                      of the distorting mold
                                                                      of trying to be like everyone else
         
                                                                     Will I think too much while they grow
                                                                    forget the importance of nurturing soul
                                                                  with time to be free
                                                                able to lean on me when necessary
                                                               without confounding my goals with theirs
                    
                                                           Will I forget to be there with them
                                                         as I attempt to find my own way
                                                       lose myself inside of me
                                                     while they're pulling on my shirt sleeve
                                                  too busy to hear their dreams
                                               too caught up in thinking about the way things should be
                                            trying to be free
                                           but bound

                                       dotting I's and crossing T's
                                     when I should be...
                                  should be...
                               should be...
                              just be.

                         outside of mind
                      in a present place
                    living for the joy
                  of what is real here and now
                this moment

            and they breathe
           a chest rises
           and falls
           and rises
            and falls

              it's perfect.
                life's good.
                   right here
                      right now
                         not yesterday
                            or tomorrow
                               but now
                                  right now.

(Written by Bob Devine.  This work is freely shared and not for sale.)