IN THESE DARK TIMES

You must feel loved when you read this.
Lean against the hand
stroking the back of your neck. Relax.
In the pocket where you once kept marbles
is a small bag full of kisses.
Open it. Let it go.
Someone’s humming in the next room
with a throaty laugh at every missed note
because mistakes don’t matter.
No, don’t go see.
You don’t even have to listen.
You are loved.

There’s a warm smell coming from the kitchen
and the puppy’s nibbling your slippers
but you’re too comfortable to get angry.
There are so many people who want this.
Just this.
Believe me, they are not your enemies.

-Julia Vinograd

2023
Ariel Rubinstein

Plate from Berkeley Poetry Walk

More details can be found here Click for the item in The ultimate street signs site