I HOPE YOU DANCE (A POEM)

I hope god grants you as many nights as you think you may need

I hope you never lose the last puzzle piece

I hope your toast always comes out perfect

And you never let heartbreak keep you from loving 

Or past failures stop you from trying (again)

I hope your dog lives forever and your cat has 900 lives

I hope you know I loved you as best I could, even on the days I didn't love myself 

I hope you see through to it that you accomplish that big, big dream

I hope your ancestors visit you in your dreams and show you the path forward

And that you never doubt yourself, but instead put faith into the great unknown

I hope your favorite tree outlives you and that you never have to see it cut down and mulched

I hope you choose courage over comfort every time

I hope the candle doesn't run out until you're way past bedtime, writing your poetry

And that you publish that book

I hope you get to experience at least one birth and hold the hand of a loved one as they pass

I hope strangers give you flowers and that you're always let in to merge

I hope you collect something that is completely frivolous and unnecessary, just so one day your ancestor treasures it for their own

I hope you finally take that trip to trek the Camino de Santiago and are spared blisters and bug bites

And you conquer that fear of heights and watch a sunset from 3,000 feet, floating in a balloon

I hope you learn to rest and never feel guilty for it 

I hope you develop the most unwavering connection to the divine

I hope you fill your home with well-wishes and warm thoughts 

And make dinner for your favorite elder

I hope you finally heal that broken relationship with food and hold your body like the most precious gem

I hope your lover calls you sweet names and reminds you of your own light 

I hope you never forget your worthiness and always find your way back to the center 

I hope the alcohol finally loosens its grip and you are the one controlling the shots

I hope the next generation tends to you with great care and kindness 

And you see your legacy leave its loving touch 

I hope you get everything you ask for and are never left behind

I hope you know you are loved for everything that you are and nothing that you are not