The Art of Suffering

I bow my head in shame
for all the killings of self and other.

I bow my head in sorrow
for inner and outer wars.

I bow my head in suffering
for all the tragedy that exists.

I bow my head in synchronicity
for we are all the same.

I bow my head in surrender
as it leads to acceptance.

I bow my head in prayer
since it is all we have.

I bow my head in love
as that is all we need.

I bow my head in ecstasy
to balance all the agony.

I bow my head in peace
and everlasting gratitude.

Published in JAMA Nov. 27, 2018