A New Confidence (to Hear and to Hold)

To listen is a gift,
both giver and receiver
reaping richness
in what is said and heard.

In listening, truly hearing,
curiosity consumes
and what is consumed
swells large
into one specific question,
when asked
clears the present
and floods the soul.

He spoke.
I heard.
I gave.

Oft said by self
not heard by self
is lost to the soul.

We reconvened.
I reminded.
He received.

Oft said by self
heard and held by another
is persuasive to the soul.

From tongue to ear to heart
listen, hear, and hold.
In the warmth of such connection
we will never grow cold.

−J. Brunson