You have not been to my dark spaces,
seen parental faces
distorted in uncontrolled rage
feeling the sting of such primal violence.
I hope you never have to go there.

You have not seen the blank expanse.
Eyes closed sitting in silence,
seeking peace in meditation
but finding grief in the memory
of all lost things, like time,
love, compassion, family, and friends.

You have not been in my story
or taken my journey,
but yours is no less valued.
I will await your voice in poetry
across whatever barrier
separates you from me.