Harsh

Reality
Is
Harsh

Best not to

Sit around waiting
For hugs
From the universe

Can’t expect

People to understand the
Depth of damage
When the damage
Is hard to see
Or maybe just
Easier to look away from

Like the damage caused

By a bomb
Detonated in a building

Somehow

The building still stands
And from the outside
Looks Ok
Except for a few bulging windows
Some missing shingles
Stray shards of glass

But inside

Nothing is left
Disintegrated
From the inside
Out

And if somehow over time

You find your way
Through the mess
And out of the building
You don’t get a party
You are not greeted
With a warm blanket

You get only questions like

Are the renovations about done?
What color are you painting the walls?
Granite countertops?

These are

Not questions
Asked by those
Who understand
How much
Was lost

Frustrating

And yet
Understandable

Can’t expect

Much empathy
From those with
Houses still standing
Houses never shaken

Can only

Know yourself well
And show yourself the
Kindness
Patience and
Mercy
That others
Aren’t able
To show