Do not let the darkness in,
completely inhaling
death and destruction
like poisoned oxygen.

Do not let
the pain of loss
distort your perception
of your own history.

Do not let
the gray gravel roads
you once roamed
disappear
behind you
as you move on.

Do not let
your kind intentions
drown in
a sea of salty
despair.

Do not let
who you were
and who you become
be defined
by mankind’s
horrible crimes.