Shifting the Balance is a poem that is responding to the question:

What is missing in a world without relationship?

The important magic of community is lost, and we have created structures that prioritize information over human connection. We need to break free of those old systems and rediscover our relationships to each other and to the world.

Relationship is everything.

It is like water.
Without it, there is no life.

It is like air.
Without it, there is no breath.

It is like fire.
Without it, there is no warmth.

It is like earth.
Without it, there is no home.

Without these, there is no music.
There is no peace.

The balance is off.
The scales are tipped in the wrong direction.

The beauty of life has been forgotten,
replaced with borders and structure.

How do we go on living like this?
In this imbalance?

Feel the texture of what is missing.
What is flat that could be round?
What is hollow that could be full?
What is dark that could be light?

It is tangible and invisible.
It is heavy and sacred.
The connections between people.
The trusting of humanity.

In order to move forward,
we must tear down the old.
Look at the mountains that we have.
See what can be salvaged.

Without balance, there can be no movement.
No beauty.
No self.
No recognizing.

How do we find the balance?

We must uncover.
Dust off the forgotten scrolls.
Sing the missing songs.
Repair the ancient relics.
All lost to time, and patriarchy, and destruction.

The fabric of humanity is in need of repair.
We must gently wash it.
Lovingly mend it.
And wear it with pride.
In support of all.

Jenna is a student in the NEATO Pathway 3 – Assistant Creative Soul Practitioner program. She is currently traveling the world, enjoying the beauty and soul of each city she visits. You’ll find her making friends with every cat she meets.