It will be okay

I'm sorry I tell you "it will be okay"

When it seems like the world is falling all around us.

I know why you glare down, refusing comfort.

I know it is just the kind of thing a mother would shout to a child

As a hurricane shatters through the nearest window;

I know it is just the kind of lie a husband would sob to his wife

Moments after receiving her diagnosis.

I know whether we look here in front of us,

To this struggle that appears unbearable and indecipherable,

Or we look past ourselves to the state of this world,

To the chaos and chasm of disorder and worthlessness,

It is not "okay."

But I beg you to make use of this idealistic whimper.

Let us stretch the words out wide like a tarp,

And pull the phrase over our heads to deflect the drops of heartache.

We'll create a curious little tent,

Closed tightly to prevent the heavier burdens from entering.

Once we are safe within, look into my eyes;

Let me see the pain in yours;

Let me share in it.

Let me cover your ears with my hands,

Until the din of frustration has quieted enough for focus.

Let it be okay.

Turmoil may begin to seep in from outside our shelter,

Or perhaps even from within,

Yet the onset will be slow enough for us to untangle and solve.

We will be beleaguered, the worries will again begin to press down upon us,

But at least in these small moments,

It's okay.