I wrote this poem a little over a year ago when I was coping with a bout of depression. At the time I had just returned to the UK after a whirlwind trip with lots of rushing around. I was coping with a lot of uncertainty, including living situation, relationship doubts, work stress, and general direction in life. Rereading it, I reflect on how important it is to acknowledge the darker parts of ourselves and to hold them with love and care. Pushing those parts away, holding them at arm’s length, only creates division within ourselves and ultimately prevents us from having meaningful, lasting, and connected relationships with those around…