Hannah M. Clipston

When Heaven opens and it begins to pour,

I do not ask the sky to stop;

I open an umbrella and wait

for the rain to pass by, and

I treat sadness the same.

When the wind blows hard enough to knock

back the trees, I do not cease my journey;

I walk against the breeze with as much strength as I can manage,

focussed on where I want to go, and

I treat doubt the same.

When thunder and lightning ravage the sky,

breaking the quiet air, I calmly count the seconds

until the distance extends like an olive branch, and

I treat anger the same.

When the sun adorns the lawns and

petals unfold, each a delicate eyelid opening to the world.

I do not shy from the intensity of the heat;

I embrace the warmth on my skin

letting it sink deep within, and

I treat happiness the same.