Sensitive Ones

Sensitive ones,
don’t be so quick
to pathologize yourself

What we call
an emotional crisis
can be truth
desperately needing to erupt
from within
and take every untrue structure
down with it.

Being called “too sensitive”
is a brutal accusation
to shame and silence
those necessary ones
who know and speak
the pain of living
in a dehumanized world.

We desperately need people
who are not okay with this
and speak to it.

Rage can be deep, fiery awareness
of so much violation
of your inherent dignity
and worth
and your mama bear soul
getting on its hind legs to roar,
“No more!”
This is a helpful asset.

Anxiety can be that
which speaks up
deep within you
when your inner light,
your tenderness,
your power,
your boundaries,
your truth,
your voice
isn’t safe here–
a smart alarm bell sounding,
“Get out!”

Even your beautiful addictions
are our boldest advocates
for a spiritually sound,
wholehearted world,
that perpetually say
in no uncertain terms,
“when I hide away my love and truth
and power–I go crazy!”

Yes, dear, wise one,
don’t be so quick
to pathologize yourself.
How beautiful that your body
speaks so clearly
as a barometer for
truth, love, health and safety
and makes such a wild protest
in their absence.

Chelan Harkin