Advice to Myself

from The Mother Poems by Shambhavi Sarasvati at Kindred 108. We're all kindred here.

Answer everyone
from the cave of the heart.
Don’t waste energy arguing
with those who cling to skepticism,
rectitude, and books.

Stop exhausting yourself pulling
at what holds them to the forced way.
Their chains are also God.

Remain small and receptive
like a homeless person 
lingering at the door.
You never know when the inmates 
might call out
and ask to share in
the Meal.

from The Mother Poems by Shambhavi Sarasvati