Hard
Healing
Can we have one without the other?

Why, then, does it hurt to know hard
When healing waits
around the bend?

Perhaps we’re unsure how long the hard will last

What will it require of us?
What will it take?
What will be left strengthened by the sapping of comfort?

My prayer?

For healing to hold hands with hurt
For a warm touch
A comforting with-ness that makes the ache
Okay for this moment

When healing does her transformative work
May we carry her learned strength
And offer it to the one
who is also holding hurt
But can’t quite seem to find
its healing companion
just
yet.

Bekah Pogue