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Open Hands

A poem on tolerance

By Michelle Liew Tsui-LinPublished 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago 1 min read
Top Story - June 2024
Open Hands
Photo by Jeremy Yap on Unsplash

Today started as being one of those days when everything that can go wrong just goes wrong, with my dog's harness breaking and a lack of response to kindness.

I don't know about you, but I find tolerance quite a tall order. Whether it's a person's habits, or a queue at the supermarket that's too long, forbearance can be difficult to muster.

I find forbearance of difficulties the hardest to build. They lower one's stress level, take us out of our comfort zones, and cause us to face negative experiences.

Perhaps with a little self-cuddle, flexibility and realization that it is all right to let go of what we have no control over, we can open our hands.

Enjoy this sonnet.

Open hands with a little hug

Makes storms easy to bear

Open hands with kind self-snug

Give grouses time to air

The hands open when they bend

Fingers give a twist

With a flex at fingers end

And a flick of wrist

Open hands and let fly

Bird that needs be free

Let it soar into the sky

Or simply let it be

Hug Life's tree with open hands

Water roots that sprout in sand.

Sonnetinspirational

About the Creator

Michelle Liew Tsui-Lin

Hi, i am an English Language teacher cum freelance writer with a taste for pets, prose and poetry. When I'm not writing my heart out, I'm playing with my three dogs, Zorra, Cloudy and Snowball.

Reader insights

Outstanding

Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!

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Comments (6)

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  • Jackson Ryker2 years ago

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  • Joe Patterson2 years ago

    Congratulations on top story.

  • Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊

  • CHRISTIAN P2 years ago

    All to the top. Nice work 👍 Michelle

  • My impatience would never let me have tolerance, lol. Loved your poem!

  • Andrea Corwin 2 years ago

    Lovely! I will remember to open my hands when I am tense or annoyed and perhaps it will ease the tension. Fists increase tension and annoyance, yes?

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