today, if the space you are

in is restricted and the sun

does not shine, then just

sing a song anyway because

your story is still being written.

~~~~

if you see no way forward

or no way out, then smile anyhow

because even though you cannot 

yet see, the pathway does exist.

~~~~

if your heart is heavy and breath

burns your lungs, raise your head

even a little, a tiny rebellion 

against the dark, because light 

will always shine once again. 

~~~~

you see, i have occupied similar space 

before and i can promise you this.

~~~~

—sometimes we all need to hear that there is hope. 

©Heather Pound 2022

image:Dmitry Novikov/Unsplash