soft landings

to cushion someone’s fall, to cushion
and soften the blow, the impact
a reminder of soft earth, of moss
softlandings is an aspiration, an ideal
a gesture of hospitality
something we can be for one another,
not violent or aggressive,
no shaking someone by the shoulders.
just patient and supportive.

not saying this is or isn’t the way to go
not telling you what you should or shouldn’t do —
I believe we are aware of our own capacities for discernment
someone could pursue some other path,
some other ideal, some other role
to play, to push, to advocate for;
some of us need the soft landing.
and some among us can offer it