Liberation feels like a giant concept, hard to define, and hard to visualize sometimes. It’s easier for me to think about small things that make me feel free – being with friends who make me feel like myself, meeting new people who share my values, learning new truths that shift my worldview for the better – and imagining how those instances can be transferred to the macro scale. -Marin Smith (CLF)
What is a small thing you can do today to make the world better?
A friend had shoulder repair surgery and cannot drive for a while. I am driving her to her PT appointments during January. Relationships matter and care for one another when needed.
little things by dori jeanine somers
when making poems, I do not build
the stories and the songs
as monuments to greatness
nor heroics, righting wrongs.
I rarely offer symphonies
or tunes a choir sings.
some poets picture glory best
but I paint little things.
it’s not that I don’t notice
the vastness of the sky.
it’s not that I don’t honor
the seasons going by.
I’ve taught my eyes, my poet’s mind
to love what each day brings—
the truth and beauty that I find
in all the little things.
the paths to fame or notice,
and to popularity
traverse great open spaces,
tales of power, scenes we see
in nature’s secret gardens,
forests, rivers, mountain springs.
readers cling to greatness
while I speak of little things.
tales of birds in flight, unfettered,
poems yearning to be made,
questions that my heart has pondered
simple thanks, and prayers I’ve prayed.
finding beauty, kindness cherished . . .
day by day more joy this brings.
songs that may not be remembered
teach of love through little things.