Out my kitchen window*
I see the barrier surrounding my backyard.
And the backyard after that.
And the one after that.
And the one after that.
And so on...
Wanting to keep people out.
Guarding our things
and guarding ourselves.
I see your barrier.
It's made of the thickest stone.
There are barely any cracks or breaks
just signs that someone tried to get inside
and holes patched
from their effort.
I wish I could make all the hurt go away.
I wish I could provide the comfort you need.
I wish I could tear down that stone divider.
I wish I could shatter your wall.
I stand at your barricade
my hands placed on the cold, thick stone.
Projecting all my love and warmth into the tips of my fingers.
I want nothing more
than to rummage through this rubble
so that I can find you
and hold you.
This is dedicated to my friend, Manny. I wish I could hug you, friend, and make all the pain you have endured, disappear.