Awaken Love

L. Riedman Bridge in Slovenia 2023

Awaken Love

Wake up, Heart!
I need you.
We need you.

Open.
Open up.
Open wide.

You can do it.
Awaken from your slumber.
Slowly if you must.

I need you.
We need you.

The more we embody you.
See and feel through your eyes.
The more we can see you


In others
In our world
In ourselves.

I’m inviting you in.
With purpose.
Come on in, Heart.
Be my eyes, ears, and soul.
Let me feel you everywhere.

We need you.
I need you.

Let’s breathe together.
Be in sync.
Despite the chaos around us.
Can I borrow your strength?
Your point of view?

With you as our lens,
With you by our side

Anything is possible.

We can see 
Our commonality.
Our humanness.

With you,
We see the truth.
We forgive.
We laugh.
We feel joy.

What is not to love?
What is the alternative?

With you, 
We see one another
As who we truly are.
And accept our differences.

Your goodness, kindness, and love
Gives me the strength 
I need.
We need.

With you, 
I can do it.
We can do it.

Heart,
Your goodness, kindness, love ...
Provide a power against fear and hate.

If I can see it in you,
I can feel it in me.
I can see it in all.

Wake up, Heart.
Be with me.
Be with us.
Come on!

It is easier to stay closed.
Separate.
Believing untruths.

Heart, help us
Unfurl tight fists.
Soften our brow.

We need you now.
Help us honor and feel
Whatever we need to.

With you, we can weather this storm
We can ride the waves.
With grace, kindness, and care
As our companions.

Heart, Wake up!
With you by our side
Vulnerability is possible 
We can open
Be humble
Listen.

And maybe even ...
Be courageous

We can flex 
Our curiosity muscles.
Let kindness be our guide.

Open to
possibility
to all.

Heart, with you
A doorway opens
A fresh view
A new start

Wake up Heart
We need you now.

                                 L. Riedman 1/21/25