When It's Over

Of course, you’re going to be scared.

Of course, you’ll feel confused,

then uncertain, then more confused.

May you choose to fall apart as honestly as you can.

And almost no one seems to notice

how everything else just goes on living,

or how it isn’t fair that everyone 

else’s silence keeps shouting,

telling you to shut down,

telling you to stay put,

telling you to protect

whatever else is left, 

telling you to imagine the worst

and then expect it to happen.

May you human-stumble as honestly as you can.

None of this means you’re failing.

None of this is something wrong with your faith.

None of this has to do with being brave.

No one ever begins to breathe again

because someone told them

to try being less afraid.

Whatever was or wasn’t, 

may honesty close the distance

between its absence and your trust.