October 10th

“Create in me a clean heart, O God,
    and put a new and right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10

into that cardboard box
where yesterday’s fears
just wait to be recycled,
breathe
where the dust from my boasting,
where my impostor syndrome
weaves cobwebs,
where those words i let
escape turn to ashes,
breathe.
whether it is when
the sun unzips the morning,
or the noontime when worries
sit down to eat with me,
or as loneliness draws
the drapes closed at night,
breathe
the rhythm of your grace
the melody of your hope
the gentleness of your love
into me,
making me new
once again.

© 2025 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman