Trajectory

By Wendy Lew Toda




​Why think twice?
who cares?
inconsequential
we murmur
noses in the air.


But there it is
in the nuances of decision
a rash move here
a hesitation there
by these we shift the trajectory 
of our lives
choice by choice
practicing ourselves into
who we become
in a year
in a decade
in a lifetime.

Decide now what posture
no matter the context
feet planted in courage
toes dug deep in calm 
The latest news rushes in
breathlessly gunning to 
sweep us off balance
let the frenzy go raging by
be anchored in peace
in the middle of chaos
the clear voice of wisdom
calls steady and true
the plumb line
for choosing in the everyday
raising the floor  
of our capacity to do what’s right
under duress
practicing when it’s awkward
uncomfortable
risky

so that

when fire comes for us
as it will
we are ready and resolute
standing tall
voices lifted as 
we move out together
joy as our strength
character burned into us
by all we have chosen and 
by all that has chosen us.

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