Welcome home, cojourners.

I'm glad you're here for another episode.

I'm Dr. Tema, licensed psychologist, ordained minister, and sacred artists,

here to help facilitate your journey back home to yourself.

And today we're going to start with a love poem by one of our prior guests.

It's from her book, Yellow.

You all may remember her.

And her name is Rowena Wadwani.

And so go back and see Ravina's episode if you haven't seen it.

This piece is called Soothe My Stiff.

And just to let you know, we're talking about relationships

today. Heal me with your hands. Take the night off my shoulders gently. Untangle the weight of the

afternoon from the knots in my neck. Rub the moon into my back. Close my eyelids slowly and tell me a

tail or two. Whisper ease into my ear. Take the heaviness off my spine. Soothe my chest as I inhale your frequency and exhale the bustle of my universe.

Put my trembling hands in the nest that is your steady palm. I am tired of building my empire

tonight.

Take my ups and downs and put them to the side.

Fold the worries of my tomorrow and put them in my drawer.

Hold me until I am weightless.

Tuck me into your arms.

Cradle me in your tenderness, keep me here until sunrise.

Watch me unfold for tomorrow.

...