otters hold hands when they float down the river so they don't separate from each other, did you know that? it's less of an interlocking of paws and more of a linking of claws, desperate not to drift away from one another. the keratin in their claws must make them feel secure in one another. they don't need an audience to feel accomplished and happy, they have each other.
have you ever seen a bumble bee stop and rest? their tiny, pollen covered bodies must be so tired. i think the pollen probably weighs more than they do when its all said and done, hm? they live to make the world prettier, it must be so tiring. the plush petals of the flowers they sit on to take a break must bring so much comfort to them. the colors an inspiration to keep going and the enjoyment those around them get from their work must give them a sense of purpose.
have you ever watched the stress melt from a horse when you untack it from a long day in the cart. the unbuckling of the gear seemingly in sync with their muscles relaxing. the soft talking between riders while the horse stands in the cross ties, ears sleepily flicking the flies away. their stall, plush with shavings and hay, must be such a relief from a long day. the stars in their paddocks must fill their souls and fuel their hearts.
an orange tabby cat curled up in the rays of a false god as they beam through the window at the golden hour of the day. they're sprawled out with a large grin on their face, paws kneading the air as soft purrs reverberate around them. a long day of keeping their person happy has given way to a well deserved nap, their sense of belonging being felt in every nickname, every treat and cuddle. their fur stained with paint stains and eyes aged with patience, this feline is basically a parent at this point for their person. their reward is obvious in the colorful streaks in their fur and the smile now apparent on both the kid's face and theirs; happiness.
a mother hen talking softly to her chicks as they walk through a grassy field, the mice scurrying and the sun rising as the roosters bellow. her chicks are chirping and peeping amongst themselves as they happily follow her. she's always wanted her own brood, she was finally in a place to make that happen. she finds a spot where the sunrise casts its magic over the horizon and she sees the grasshoppers begin to spring to life. she happily pursues one, her chicks zipping behind her one after another as they enjoy their first experience in living with nature. safety comes in parenthood for her, safety comes in numbers for her chicks. at night they go to roost with the rest of their chosen family, protected and happy, ready to chase bugs the next morning.
an older man and his dog walk the beach every morning before the sun rises, its a routine in his retirement now. his silver laced lab and his cane hobbling across the sand every morning. memories of a simpler time etched into every step; running across the foam of where the water kisses the sand, sounds of splashing and barking as the elderly dog who was once a puppy runs in and out of the ocean with a large toy, and lastly, a young woman. she's sat on the sidelines, laughing and cheering as the dog gets the toy and nearly knocks the man over to bring it back to her. he misses her now, i'm sure the poor dog does, too. she's still here though, in the beach's dusty shore. he brings a coffee for her every morning and talks to her while he walks with their dog. he found purpose in keeping her alive, in making sure everything she loved and cared about prospered for as long as possible. there's a safety in that; knowing that no matter what happens someone will always remember you.
there's a twenty-three year old with a heart of gold and hands of artisan bound craftsmanship. he feels enough emotion to fuel a village and is considerate of every form of life; helping the moths that scare him and inspiring the youth at his workplace. he gives everything his all, even when things seem bleak. he has an imagination like a wildfire and can bring anything to life without even trying. he inspires me in everything i do and is the kindest soul i've ever seen. there's a safety in knowing such a wonderful human can exist; in knowing i even got lucky enough to know him in this lifetime.
there's a twenty year old with eyebags darker than the clothes they wear, a heavy heart and an optimistic spirit in their chest. they haven't found their purpose yet, but they're happy. there's a safety in knowing who you are, in knowing what makes you happy and fills you with purpose; what fuels that optimism. they do their best, and that's worth everything. they struggle with the little things that only help themselves, but they make sure everyone around them is taken care of, and that brings them purpose. there's a safety in enjoying being a kind person.
kindness matters.
