By JC Smith3 

I have to practice love
ten thousand times
let the long nights have purpose
go to school on my spirit
neglect knowledge
turn away from the stuff
and grace myself with friendship.

A curriculum of charity
in this selfish mind
waits for a teacher.
Open up, she says, give,
observe fellow creatures
touch the bee touching the flower
see the harmony, you stiff.
Exercise humble muscles
get strong on joy.
deny stubbornness
despise conceit
search for sources of strength
locate the great light.
and become alive.

I have to practice love
forgive pages of faults
and pour out the secrets.
until I know myself
and breathe reality.