You are perfect.

I am a mother. Ailed by my children. Deserted by my husband. Abandoned by the angels.

But mother, you are perfect.

I am a little girl. Kicked by my mother. Ignored by my father. Raped by my teacher.

But little girl, you are perfect.

I am an old woman. Forsaken by love. Alone by death. Hopeless by life.

But old woman, you are perfect.

How can I go on?

Drink your tears Let sorrow metastasize into joy. Heed the lesson Turn your face towards the sun.

Abandonment makes room for love, Abuse undresses the ugly. Without a valley There's no view from the mountain.

You were born perfect Steeped in a cup of grace. Painted by the devas Kissed by the breath of life.