Awake

I could see it in your eyes;

All the pain, pouring out of their centers

Like light, blood, or truth.

The lines on your forehead and the strain placed on the veins of your neck

Beseeched me and your God in heaven

To do something.

I was so tempted to lean in, offer temporary and hollow words of comfort, and tell you a lie.

But then it came - that thrill of joy, the weariness in my bones rejoiced.

This is simply what it is to experience the world, your humanity, and the disparity of what is and what should have been, without anesthesia.

I am not worried.

You are awake.