JULIE ANN STEVENS

the joy in being present

as children are

without anticipating

what it could be —

or might be —

eyes and ears

and mouths

and hands

open to receive

what it is —

whatever it is —

this is the fruit

of letting go

emptying out

and trusting

your valentine box

to fill with a million

light mixed with dark

crayon keepsakes and

candy hearts.