Between

Between two words

choose the quieter one.

 

In the hush 'twixt twin utterings, find

The whispered one, cloaked in a gentler tide.

 

Between word and silence

choose listening.

 

Let the deep listening stitch the seam,

Where word and hush in twilight gleam.

 

Between two books

choose the dustier one.

 

Crave the tome where time's fingers have danced,

Touch the page where the dust motes have pranced.

 

Between the earth and the sky

choose a bird.

 

In the sweep 'twixt soil and the blue,

Cradle the winged minstrel that cleaves the anew.

 

Between two animals

choose the one who needs you more.

 

Betwixt beastly kin, pick the heart that pines,

Lend thy hand where the shadow of neglect inclines.

 

Between two children

choose both.

 

Between budding blooms, never split the ray,

Embrace each petal that looks to the day.

 

Between the lesser and the bigger evil

choose neither.

 

'Neath the guise of wickedness, vast or slight,

Tread not in the murk, steer toward the light.

 

Between hope and despair

choose hope:

it will be harder to bear.

 

In the duel where shadows court the light,

Grasp the hope though it bears a titan's might.