Sometimes

Sometimes we can only breathe
with someone
through the pain
sometimes that is all that is necessary
just to breathe
and remind someone of the steady rhythm of life
the rhythm that is always here
in birth, in life, in death
our fear of having no breath
is the greatest fear

the angels say, you are breath
you are life itself
how can what you are ever cease to be?
therefore, fear not, though the earth be removed
and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea
God is your refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble

Sometimes all we can do is breathe
through the great grief
through the great hole that opens
through the great despair
sometimes we can only breathe