Today

I have borne up,
taken the blows,
adapted to reality
again and again,
made the best of it,
encouraged
and taken care
of others.

But some days,
I just have to stand still
and let sadness
work its way
through me.
Today is that day.

Wordless,
it flows
from my balled up heart
through my chest and belly,
to my arms and legs,
fingers and toes.
Everywhere.
Everything.

Then it passes,
and surprisingly soon.

Sadness,
having finally
had its say,
turns to relief,
even though circumstances
have not changed.

Now,
I can breathe again
and deeply.
Hope,
creative hope
returns.

By Maria Brady-Smith
Photo by Mike Smith