It was mine.

I worked for it.

The previous owner gave it to me
– perhaps because it was a nuisance
– perhaps because they were grateful for the value I provided.

And you stole it from me.

In the dead of the night,
or under cover of an NDA,
or when I left it unwatched.

Thief!

You knew it was wrong or you would not have hidden your tracks.

You relied on the shadows or your lies to cover your shame.

Perhaps you had a good reason
– a sick family member
– a leaky roof in the winter
– a hungry child…

Or maybe you just did it to add what-was-mine to yours.

Maybe you hoped it would make you feel wealthier, more powerful or less vulnerable.

Whatever your reason, know this…

We are all thieves,
from the time we suckle milk from our mother’s breast,
to the land we purchase, which traces back to stolen meadows and forests,
from the animals and plants we call our own – and sometimes kill for nourishment,
to the final breaths of oxygen we use to furnace our dying body.

And so, Thief … did you take in shame?
or with gratitude?

Did you use it to slake your thirst for greed?
Or did you use it to do good in the world?

We all take,
but next time – maybe you will remember this Prayer.

I wrote it for you.

And I wrote it for me.

When you take next time,
do it with an open heart,
pay it forward to others,
take only what you need –
and practice reciprocity with the world around you.

(Skip Shuda, June 27, 2022)