Hope and Fear

A juxtaposition of two poems

There is a fire burning within my chest it feels like hope How could it be, you say, that this day with all its pain opens your eyes to possibility?

My answer — connection to the Now to the pure potentiality of a world remembering that even one breath is precious

My answer — acceptance of the futility sheer ridiculousness and inevitable demise of status money ego, for these gods will never save us

Only our common beating breathing growing evolving heart space can do that

Upon finding the smallest of lumps in my chest, upon feeling the familiar fear of what-ifs, of unknowns, upon drowning in dark thoughts a future that is not yet — where I find myself once more is right here right now in the glorious sunshine of an early spring day that started with gray clouds and mournful fog but now sings joyfully with birdsong and whispers of hope, and I know in every fiber of my being, one true thing — I am grateful for this breath

I know with a knowing that cannot be found in a small quiet safe life

I know because I have held the dark root of my fear in the palm of my hand because I cherish all that brought me here because I showed up held my arms open and said, this is enough, I am enough, and this breath brings me home

Hope and Fear by RBGraham

“Hope and fear cannot occupy the same space. Invite one to stay.”

— Maya Angelou