Courage is facing life

in the midst of a screaming reminder


that we are

but sojourners in this life.


And it can slip through our hands

without a moment’s notice.


Courage is facing this reality
 not hiding behind shock or overeating or numbness

—
coping gifts for a moment.


Courage is letting them slip away


while facing the gaping maw of loss

—
each moment precious

and tinged with fragility.

Courage is accepting responsibility

for treating 
this opportunity with love and respect. And when the time comes,

embrace the next adventure.