What Does It Mean to Breathe

by Dr. Natalie D.A. Bennett
April 3, 2020

What does it mean to breathe
When in this moment
To exchange breath is a danger, a weapon
We need hide our breath
Catch it before it escapes
So that others may breathe
So that their breath might not be stolen or suppressed

What does it mean to breathe together
What has it meant to breathe together
To sing
shout in protest
laugh
gossip
moan
talk about big things
small things
unpack injustices
build theory
imagine new worlds through our collective breaths

We are being asked to forget that
Breath also signals life
Possibility
And of dreams deferred
needs unmet
hope without fertile ground to plant in
Each breath that we take can nourish that soil
Into which we plant new
relationships
ways of being
understanding of
how to use our breath to nourish, energize, make whole

Breathe together
To make life.