Temple by Valerie Parente
A place of worship,
they call it a temple
but it is not a building
it is the soul’s vessel.
Like a shrine, you are sacred
embodying something larger than life
a spirit that extends flesh
but this temple gives it sight.
If you knew how irreplaceable you are
you would never lose faith again
that you were meant to be here
despite the where, why, and when.
– Valerie Parente (5-25-2025)
This Body by Valerie Parente
This body is nothing
without me
and that’s how I know
I have meaning.
– Valerie Parente (12-30-2021)
Pamper Yourself by Valerie Parente
Sink in the bathtub,
decorated with flowers like lily-pads,
smell the burning sage,
the candles and the melting wax.
Send me a message,
from the spirits that guide the stars,
do it with ease,
as you flip over your tarot cards.
My conscience was chosen for this gift,
the present, the human body,
and it’s never been more clear,
that physical health is a luxury.
Take care of your cells,
be it lavender soap or fine wine,
whatever feels real and good,
you owe it to this thing called life.
– Valerie Parente (4-5-2021)
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