Risk

We all have secret hurts lodged

some where deep inside,

this human experience is never easy

making the effort

to live and keep our selves open

taking that first faltering step

foward, even when

every single cell inside of us

is screaming or trembling in fear

is never easy to do and yet

do we not have to answer the call?

I see now

so much more clearly

those times I was so terrified

to fail or fall

I see now those times I held myself back

thinking if I ever took the chance to risk for my soul

that releasing and effort

that unburdening

would bring upon me more pain

and disaster

And yet still the stars in the night sky continued to shine on

brightly

and the earth was more than capable

of absorbing all of my tears

There is a time we have to answer

to fear

There is a time we have to face the ghosts we allowed to

discourage us and say no to the haunting

There is a time to reach for life

to know

deep down in our soul

that even if we fail or suffer

we made the attempt

to breathe and live,

to love,

to risk,

to give,

and most importantly,

to connect.