Permission

I gave myself

permission

to rest.

To lay still.

To look up at the ceiling

and let the shadows

whisper me their names.

I allow my body

to stop 

crashing

against hours and tasks.

To be quiet.

To let my limbs

hum

a calm lullaby.

I gave myself

permission

to let my pain 

be silent

and let my body

rest from aches.