The Good News

The Good News, by Thich Nhat Hanh

They don’t publish the good news. The good news is published by us. We have a special edition every moment, and we need you to read it. The good news is that you are alive, and the linden tree is still there, standing firm in the harsh Winter. The good news is that you have wonderful eyes to touch the blue sky. The good news is that your child is there before you, and your arms are available: hugging is possible. They only print what is wrong. Look at each of our special editions. We always offer the things that are not wrong. We want you to benefit from them and help protect them. The dandelion is there by the sidewalk, smiling its wondrous smile, singing the song of eternity. Listen! You have ears that can hear it. Bow your head. Listen to it. Leave behind the world of sorrow and preoccupation and get free. The latest good news is that you can do it.

– Thich Nhat Hanh

I'm in a class on good news right now, and my instructor introduced me to the above poem and encouraged me to write my own version. I got to give incredibly good news today at work (a rare occurrence!) so tonight I am particularly grateful.

My version of "The Good News by Thich Nhat Hanh"

The good news

USCIS and the Immigration Court don't

give a damn about.

But I do.

Because every day I witness

miracles walking through that door.

And I need other people (and myself)

to get that.

The miracle is that they are alive,

and that they praise God

and smile

and have hope.

The miracle is that they still choose

to love

and accept loss

and refuse to roll over.

The miracle is that they care.

Deeply.

USCIS and the Court only ask them

what is wrong.

But look at them. The whole of them.

offering so much beauty and goodness

and life.

I want to know them and be known

by them, and protect them.

They are standing right there

eyes holding tears, yet fixated.

Anchored in hope.

Sigue luchando por estar aqui.*

Listen! You have ears that can hear it.

Bow your head.

Listen to them.

Enter into both their world of sorrow

and pain and also of joy.

Get free together.

¡Si se puede! **

(*Continue fighting to be here. **You can do it!)