What would you do,
If you had a year to love?
Would you gather around all of your friends and family
And hug them over and over again
Telling them how much they mean to you,
Reminding them of the moments you have shared?

Would you cook warm meals and linger in conversation,
With wine and wisdom and laughter?
Would you take walks, take chances, take a hike, take time . . .
Make time for the small and simple things that bring you happiness?
Like a hot tub on a chilly night, or a dog in your lap, a campfire, a kiss, grape popsicles at midnight?

Would you seek out beauty in everything you do?
The beauty of a child’s dark skin, the light reflecting on water, moonlight behind a mountain, a wildflower, a rainbow or a wild, wild night spent in the wilderness?

Would you say no to the uncomfortable times, or would you embrace these as your teachers and follow the lessons right down to the gut of your being?  Would you risk?  Put one hand, one foot ahead of the other as you climb?

Would you be the thread that holds another’s heart?  Would you know how to test the line and keep tension when needed, let out slack when you see her soar?  Keeping watch, keeping safe, grounded by the many connections you share, the chance to be there for another?

Would you sing and dance, bake pie and play pat-a-cake?  Would you create and belly laugh and cry, cry, cry until you have no more tears left?  Would you want to deny any single part of the love and loss and deep sense of belonging to the human animal species?  Would you love until your heart fills and breaks for the joy of filling?
Would you ever say no to love?  Would you?

Would you pray
for Peace
on Earth?

by Terry Deal, Solstice Poem, December 22, 2008