In the enormous auditorium of the soul,

Where echoes of past and present roll,

Dwells an orchestra, grand and wide,

With protectors, firefighters, and exiles inside.

 Protectors stand tall, ever vigilant, ever strong,

Guarding fiercely, righting every wrong.

Firefighters rush in where fears blaze,

Quelling the fires of our most difficult days.

 Exiles, with voices soft and faint,

Harbor the memories, the trauma, the taint.

Hidden away, they silently plead.

For recognition, for healing, indeed.

 Then there's the Self, calm and serene,

The conductor awaiting, to enter the scene.

With a baton of peace, love, and grace,

Ready to guide, to embrace, to embrace.

 This symphony, complex, often plays in disarray,

Each section in its own world, in its own way.

Yet, the music they yearn to truly compose.

Requires harmony, unity, as the Self knows.

 Protectors and firefighters, take your place,

But let not fear shadow your grace.

Exiles, step into the light,

Your stories are part of the might.

 For the Self has the power to conduct this grand score,

To integrate, to heal, to open each door.

With qualities and abilities vast and profound,

In its leadership, trust and safety are found.

 So let the orchestra accept, with hearts wide,

That the Self can guide this ride.

Together, a symphony they shall be,

A melody of wholeness, of harmony.

 Work to be continued, notes to be played,

In this concert of the soul, fears allayed.

For in unity, strength, and peace we find,

The truest expression of the human mind.

 

This poem, “An Ode to Unite,” emerged from a collaboration with remarkably courageous individuals learning to welcome all of their inner parts. Although the path ahead often feels uncertain, together we’ve uncovered countless opportunities for growth and restoration. This work is also my humble expression of gratitude for the privilege of walking alongside each client on their unique journey.

At its heart, the poem honours the roles our parts play—protectors, firefighters and exiles—and points to the possibility of integration and coherence. It speaks to the power of the Self as a wise conductor, calling every voice in the orchestra of the soul to join in a symphony of wholeness and peace. When we recognise and embrace every part of ourselves, we compose a melody that nourishes strength and serenity in the ongoing concert of our lives.

I believe poetry offers a gentle bridge to emotions that can be hard to name. Many people struggle to put complex or overwhelming feelings into words; poetry provides a safe, creative container for exploration. In therapeutic sessions, it invites deeper insight into our inner landscape and opens new pathways for expression, healing and connection.