Sometimes
you just need to hit the pause button.

Hit pause,
gently put down the remote,
and walk away.

It's not a full stop.
It's not a vacation
or an escape
or an avoidance.
It's just a pause.

A chance to smell a flower,
turn a page,
run to the bathroom,
or sit and stare out the window.

A chance to shut the computer and rest your eyes,
take a mask break,
take a deep breath and let it out slowly.

A pause to text a friend,
find a plug,
take a sip,
or take off your shoes.

A chance to rethink before you speak,
to change your mind,
or perhaps to apologize.

An appropriately placed pause
can prevent the need
for an apology.

A well-timed pause
can save a lot of time.

A well-used pause
can leave you with peace,
confidence,
hope,
and a renewed positivity
and energy
as you reach out
to pick up the remote
and push play.