we send our condolences.
we claim to suffer
with you––
but we do not.
at the moment
when the cry of death
comes
you stagger alone &
terrified in your heart––
the earth has swallowed
the light in your life
& you struggle to
breathe––
we know––
this has happened to us
& will happen
again
we offer you our
tears
we will be waiting
with our hands reaching down
into the dark
until you are ready
once more
to share the light