Some years ago, I heard this poem in a workshop offered by Maria Bonilha, a German writing coach. It immediately had me, and as I shared it further, I found that it touches others too, so I don’t want to miss offering it to you as well. The poem was written, originally in German, by Jörn Pfennig, a German poet & lyricist.

If you feel like it, close your beautiful eyes, place your hands on your heart, and just breathe in and out deeply three times – that’s enough just to let yourself sink a bit deeper into your heart space. And then read…


“One day, she suddenly felt
an irresistible pull towards freedom
somewhere — maybe the sea.
She packed the things
one needs even in freedom
and left the house in haste —
when she missed the tram,
she turned back…”


What kind of effect do these words have on you?