A Benediction
be careful out there
it’s a dangerous world
everyone is hurting
every
one
every shell has a crack that will not mend
every eye contains a tear poised to fall
every throat holds back a cry of anguish
every heart embraces a deep regret
people are frightened
confused
wounded
sometimes they lash out
mostly though
they hide the pain
they go to work
they do what must be done
just like you
be gentle with them