Sharpening My Axe Poem by Eric Cockrell

back to the grind wheel....
sharpening my axe for another week;
and listening, for the sound

of my own heartbeat
within the heartbeat of the universe,
in the heartbeat of the stranger,
in the heartbeat of my enemy....

i have slept with despair,
with suffering and need....
have wallowed in my own mistakes.
have been lied to, used, and abused....

but at times, to be honest with myself,
i have lied to and abused others
let me move forward with honest hope,
with firm dedication to compassion....

let my every word be a tool,
my thoughts and prayers a helping hand...
let me find my life in others,
and others find solace in me!