little by little

little by little
breath by breath

I widen my gaze
embracing the beauty . . . the imperfection

noticing with eyes of wonder
pondering this life . . . this journey

little by little
breath by breath

I tenderly place my hand on my heart
     feeling all that is within me
          grief and peace
               gratitude and longing

gently acknowledging
I don’t need to know everything
I don’t need to know why
surrendering . . . to grace

little by little
breath by breath

I move forward . . . slowly
with faith . . . with trust . . . with love

this is my path
this is my healing journey

little by little
breath by breath

By Seana Zoderer

(Seana Zoderer is a member of St. Roch Parish in Indianapolis.) †

The Criterion