Shhh…be quiet as a mushroom. Take the sky into the top

of your head. Never think moon

or angel. Think moon

or angel. Let rain tickle

your tongue until

it sprouts a giggle.

If a rabbit offers a

language of leaves,

lick it up. Tip a pail of thunder

into a puddle.

Walk proudly down the

lane in leopard pajamas.

Listen to the bells

in your sister’s ribs.

Use a crayon to cry.

Remember, the sun is a friend when you’re on your knees,

but you don’t need

light to do extraordinary

things. So sit

at the bottom

of a well, give

your best toy

to charity, hold

your breath until

your birthday

shows up dressed

as Dorothy Gale.

Ask grandma

to tell you a story.

Build a house for it.

Let it float in all the rooms. Let it soar from your mouth.