Today's Small Magicks
Lately, I have been trying to be vulnerable. Open. Because someone always needs to take the first step. Offer, and see what happens.
It doesn’t always come naturally to me. I worry too much. I have anxiety. There are too many old ghosts, old gifts of darkness.
But the interesting thing, for me, is when someone makes it easy. Or makes it feel easy. And none of my stupid stress flags start flying. It’s green flags and smiles, and that…is a hell of a thing.
I don’t know how to care small. Or in measured doses. I don’t know how to do or be less. I’m a double-texter. I will check in on you, even if we just talked two days ago, because I have A Feeling. I ask, because I care. Not because I’m being nosy or anything like that.
And let’s face it: we’re all going through hard things right now. So maybe some extra softness/sweetness is called for. I can’t conceive of a moment in which that would be detrimental or negative.
Here’s the thing, too. So many people I care about are having a hell of a time right now. And I know, out in the world, the same is true for many. And maybe I can’t fix, but I can care. I can make sure that those in my life don’t feel alone. And maybe bring a little light to the dark.
So, find joy where you can. Grab it with both hands. Send a silly text. Go to the museum. Make plans. Order dessert. Go for a run. Share something you love with someone you love. Extend a hand. Say yes. Dance party in the kitchen to the new Lady Gaga CD (“How Bad Do U Want Me” is my favorite).
Go to that cafe you’ve been meaning to try. Write a letter to a friend. Call your mother, if you still have a mother and get along okay. Call your dad for the same reason. Set boundaries and communicate. And make some art. Do something kind for a stranger. Kiss someone who thinks you hung the moon. Flirt. Flirting is good. Joyful. Be honest and cringe and true to your own damn heart. Damn the rest.
Today’s small magicks have been tiny pleasures, sprinkled throughout the day. No guilt involved, because guilt is not an ingredient. And while there are people who argue we must be serious and focused 100% of the time to fight The Horrors, that’s absolute crap on toast. That’s how you get burned out.
Instead, run toward joy and love and care and affection with your whole damn self. And if someone tries to shame you or scold you for being this or that, I hope they step on a LEGO and their tea goes mysteriously cold every cup they make.
A few unrelated bits of news!
Two of my 2024 poems made it to the Rhysling Award longlist!
Uncanny’s “The High Priestess Writes a Love Letter to The Magician” and “The High Priestess Falls in Love With Death” from The Deadlands! I am very proud of those pieces!
Also! I will be working with Small Wonders again! My poem, “Let It Be Your Call,” will appear in a future issue! And I’ve also got “Rhiannon Remembers Her Own Name” forthcoming at Dream Theory Media!