When I ask how you are,

I’m not looking for a paltry “fine”,

Or “good, how are you?”

I want to know of your depth and dimension,

Your inner dance between Grace and darkness,

And which, today, is taking the lead.

I’m curious if light is flooding your shadows,

If joy has succeeded in her quest to seep in through the cracks

Of that barricade you steadfastly built around your heart,

If your worth is intact or if it has plummeted once more,

Attached to the views of your lover, your boss,

Or the nonsensical lure of social media.

I’m asking if grief has visited again,

And if you welcomed her in this time

And made her warm cocoa and stroked her hair

As you listened to her woes and watched her burdens lift.

I want to know if you unlocked that cupboard you hid shame in

And led her out into the light to finally glimpse her smile.

As you tell me how you lost your cool with your son,

Or with that driver who cut you off,

I see all the small but mighty acts of courage and Grace,

Returning the sparkle to your eyes,

The hum of vivacity to your cells,

The power of your essence to your worth.

I hear Grace winning the affection of your shadows,

See joy cracking through the stone wall around your heart,

Through the rueful smile on your face,

The merry tinkle of your laughter.

When I ask how you are, tell me your hurts,

I’m listening.

I’m here to remind you

That you may trip and you may fall,

And herein will find your grit, your growth.

For in your rising, Grace is winning over darkness,

And you are mastering the art of this dance of life,

Allowing your true self to finally take the lead.