You cannot oblige a heart
to open. But you can hold
that heart in the gentle palms
of your words, of your awareness.

You cannot force wars to end.
But you can foster peace
by treating people who are different
from you with kindness.

You cannot expect a person
to change. But you can accept them,
allow for whoever they see
themselves as being.

You cannot evolve overnight.
But you can walk to the cushion
every morning and give thanks
for your blessings, this new day.

You cannot ignore the impermanent
nature of living. But you can whisper
to the trees, speak softly to the deer,
walk this world in awe.