you can't make them
be brave --
these people
you love.
you can't force them
to look you in the eye
when they can't
meet themselves
in a mirror.
their words
won't shout out
when judgement and fear
brutalize their voicebox;
each whisper
temerity itself.
brokenness
begets
brokenness;
as it turns out,
we
are
all
a
little
broken.
but maybe
hold them
until
the
hug
seeps
in,
until
their
heart
believes
they are loved;
they are worthy.
they are loved.
they are loved.
you can't make them
be brave --
these people
you love.
but you can
be
with
them
until they believe
in themselves.
