Wearing My Beliefs Lightly

Were you taught to wear your beliefs like armor?

I tried that. 

A breastplate, a girdle, 
A suit of armor, a straightjacket
Made it hard for me to breath,
To move, to grow.

And, unexpectedly,
Affected my hearing,
As I failed to hear what others were saying.

I want to wear my beliefs lightly.

Like a satin blouse, 
That moves with every breath of the spirit.

Like the wings of a butterfly,
Revealing new colors with every movement.

Like my grandfather’s apron,
Preparing Sunday dinner for the extended family.

Like Jesus removing his mantle,
And wrapping himself in a towel.

April 2023