I cannot fix your pain
I cannot solve your problem
I can’t prevent the sorrow you’re feeling
Or even guarantee I’ll make you smile
However, because I’ve known
Joy embracing me and disappearing in the middle of the night
Feeling safe and despairing if I’ll ever feel safe again
Lowering my guard and being ambushed by camouflaged demons
And because I’ve also known
The miracle of healing when pain seemed inescapable
The joy of connection when isolation had me surrounded
Love returning and apologizing for its absence
Because I have experienced enough No in my life
To understand tragedy
Because I have been surprised by enough Yes in my life
To maintain hope
Because I’ve known
All these things
And more
I will gladly hold your hand
So you don’t have to face the pains of life alone
And I will wait with you patiently
Until the next miracle arrives
Copyright Rich Orloff 2024. Published courtesy of Rick Orloff. Read more of Rich’s poetry here.