We Remain

Stand where you are.
The Earth has already agreed
to hold you.

Do not speak first.
The wind carries older words.

What feels heavy
was never meant to be dropped.

Endurance
is staying open
When closing would be easier.

Compassion
is the shape of protection.

Those before us
did not vanish.

They lean
into our breath.

They steady
What trembles?

When fear circles,
remain.

This is the teaching:
Be gentle enough
to guard life,
strong enough
to stay.