When I used this phrase to describe my imminent return from retirement to some part-time work, my peer mentors challenged me. “What do you mean by back into harness?” I let my muse respond…
What is a harness?
A shackle that constricts and restrains?
Straps of bondage as heavy as chains?
Stifling freedom, restricting one’s way,
Muffling one’s ability to engage with some play?
Or rather the yoke that is easy and light
Opening ways to embrace some fresh insight?
Rather the fire that burns in the grate
than the wildfire that will not abate.
The stream contained by its shore
than the floods that swamp, we abhor.
Yep, harness seems the right word
Slipping it on isn’t absurd
The calling is right, the burden is light
The Spirit within me is stirred.
Wondering Pilgrim 