The Dawn Is Already Holding You

The sun is up, and so are you. That is the first victory.

Now comes the walk to the kitchen, the hallway, the door where someone might say 'good morning.' You rehearse the tone. You practice the smile that says 'I'm fine' so no one sees the cracks.

You are building a mask before your feet even touch the floor. But listen — the light does not need your performance to find you.

It was already there when you woke up, before you put on the face. There is a rising sun that shines on those living in the shadow of death, guiding feet into the path of peace.

You do not have to guide your own feet today. You do not have to manufacture the peace you are supposed to wear.

The light sees behind the mask, and it loves what is hiding there. You made it through the night.

You do not have to pretend you are strong now. Just walk.

The dawn is already holding you.