When You Do Not Know
A poem for when you've lost your way
WHEN YOU DO NOT KNOW
by Michael D. Warden
Do not despise
the sinking dread
Do not turn away
from that hollow ache
To not know
is to be human.
Do not hate the world
for what it will not tell you
Do not hate yourself
for what you cannot see
Welcome the precipice
of your unknowing
as a gift
Open yourself
to the infinite possibilities
of goodness
that lie waiting
in your own befuddled
uncertainty
How wonderful to remember
you are always just
one step away
from another world.
Notice how your trembling hand
catches the light
as you reach for
the threshold
Notice how even
in your terror
you feel so completely
alive
This is no mistake, dear one.
This is your heart
living a life.
Choose to be
a wild believer
in the essential goodness
of your own unfolding
Bare your chest.
Fling your arms wide
like wings.
They will bear you up.
There is grace enough.
I read this a few days ago when you released it and "liked" it then. Yesterday, I made a big decision (after months of considering, contemplating, vacillating, etc.) to move to Franklin, TN. Although I feel (as best as I collectively can with my heart, gut, and head) this is the right move, I still woke up before 3:00am to the powerful voices of doubt, uncertainty, and my life-time biggie... scared to make a bad decision. After my normal quiet time, identity declaration, and prayer time, I was better but still felt untethered. Catching up on emails, I noticed your post again. As I re-read it a couple of times, I found solace, validation, and encouragement. A rescue, if you will. I'll certainly be leaning into its message during this transition. Once again, brother, your words are a guiding light. Thank you!Â