Before I feel
Before I talk with anyone
Before I clear my head
or wipe the sleep from my eyes
and the dried drool from the corner of my mouth
Before I breathe in and out with intention
Before I stretch my back in cobra pose
Before I take a shower
or put on my clothes
and paint my face and brush my hair
Before I energize my body with food
Before I check my email
Before I start my work
or organize my schedule
and begin to read the words written by others
I walk out to the living room
Sit down at the table
And take this picture
I breathe in vulnerability
and exhale self-acceptance
This is me
The me before I begin to feel
Before I remember who I am
All I ask is that if you encounter this me
Please be gentle
I will begin to feel soon enough
