Once

Once, I had danced at the edge of it all
and felt nothing at the end of my fall.
I found courage and strength of heart
to know now that nothing plays a part
separate from any constructed whole.
I must not be intimidated by nor console
those who disregard gentleness as a way.
The human urge to stand and downplay
the other as if the other were fodder for
machines feeding upon what we most adore
pushes reverence beyond any known protocol.
Once will be enough to hear the new year call.