I fervently hope with all
the burning passion
of the Sun,
that one day my smile
will reach my eyes.

So that you won’t have
to gaze into empty tombs
and pretend you see
meadows instead.

Please, try to understand
why I couldn’t be there.
I’ve been wrapped
in chains
for nine months
and I’m just now learning
how to squirm out alive.

I pray with all the
hope and optimism
I have left that you will
hold my hand
and expect nothing more,
and that you’ll let me stand
on my own, because
you are not
my Savior
but I wouldn’t mind
if you tried to be.