Not even my laptop or photo albums?
What about insurance policies,
the earrings my sweetheart gave me?
One pair in your ears.
If I go with just the clothes on my back,
which outfit should I choose?
Shoes you can run in.
My books?
Start memorizing poems now.
Learn how to tell a story.
If you trust the prayer
in breath and heartbeat,
you can travel light.
Published by
Mary Camille Thomas
Mary Camille Thomas is a native of Santa Cruz who is grateful to make her home on the California coast once more after living internationally and on the road. She studied comparative literature at UC Davis and received a master’s degree in library science from UCLA, which gave her a way to earn a living while making a life among books. Her poetry and essays have appeared in the Monk in the World Guest Post Series, Moving Force Journal, Presence, Porter Gulch Review, Second Wind, Sisters Singing, and The New Story, and she has completed a novel called What Lies Buried about a man reckoning with his family’s Nazi past.
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The Kingdom of Enough 
Dear Mary…This is IT!..GORGEOUSLY SPARE and ENOUGH… THANK YOU…love Barbara >
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Thank you, Barbara!
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This is a beautiful tribute to what is truly important. Thank you for bringing this current moment into sharp focus. Love, Sarojani
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Thank you, Sarojani! I actually wrote this at the end of last year’s fire season, but it seems it will be a perennial challenge.
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Thank you for reminding us to value Simplicity.
And thanks, also, for the Holy Cross Link
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You’re very welcome!
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