Cool wood floors
The heat held inside me
My body is heavy
Relaxed
The room vibrates
From chanting
Life to all
Love to all
Peace to all
But I don’t join in
My throat contracts
I feel a deep drive to open
My mouth and my heart
And sing
Each time the mantra repeats
It penetrates deeper within
My mind wanders
I question
Why I’m scared to let go
What I’m trying to hold onto
I don’t even know
My mind wanders
I remember
An old friend of mine
Who said I just wasn’t a joiner
I laughed at the time
Because she was right
But I feel myself turning a corner
I’m less interested now
In playing it cool
Or trying so hard to control
I want to join in
And risk looking stupid
I don’t want to be scared anymore
I open my mouth and I sing
The tightness in my throat
Begins to release
My entire body tingles
I sing
Tears streak my cheeks
Life to all
Love to all
Peace to all
Life to all
Love to all
Even me