Do not mistake my sorrow over your unhappiness as love

Love would provoke me to engage and care, while
unhappiness beget by unhappiness stirs me more
to look the other way, to leave, to seek joy so great
that once in heart it overcomes any doubt about leaving

Having left now, I am not so certain

There must be more than a shared sadness
over a plight mistaken as inevitable

Find your garden and dwell there
with a handful of persons you love,
pass the days, savor each hour,
every breath – exhale always
with the next inhale
in mind

Chagall 2020