Conspicuous by its absence, 
I wondered if my fear of disaster 
had left for good 
but no 
that part of me 
revealed herself 
in an argument. 

Arguments are good for that. 

I had thought, 
since I survived my worst-case scenario, 
her angst would ease off. 

Yes, she says. It helped, 
but it also 
proved my point.
Disaster happened,
and it could happen again
unless you change yourself.

There’s the hook:
the worry that
I have a lurking tendency
which will render me
unlovable and alone
on skid row.

I gently invite fear
to sit with me in the silence
and listen.

What we hear is
a voice, a deep sigh that says,
I can’t.
I can’t change myself.

The Inner Voice of Love adds,
Nor can we change others
or their capacity to bear with our inadequacies.

Transformation is received
not attained,
and My goal isn’t
to make you acceptable
but to lighten the fear
that you’re not
and brighten the joy
you are.

Behold the One beholding you and smiling.
–Anthony de Mello

Credits and References:
Bird by Magnus Bråth. Used with permission.
The Joy You Are by Esther Hizsa, 2025.
Willow Flycatcher 2-20110613 by Kenneth Cole Schneider. Used with permission.

© Esther Hizsa, An Everyday Pilgrim, 2025.
The unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without permission from Esther Hizsa is prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used provided there is a link to the original content and credit is given as follows: © Esther Hizsa, An Everyday Pilgrim 2013-2025.  http://www.estherhizsa.com