Beginnings.

This is an education in powerlessness.

In patience.

In fleeting truths and misunderstandings with origins that look alike.

This is a reminder of a state of being we are too busy to pause and acknowledge — one that won’t ask permission to enter or leave.

This particular experience of defenselessness feels tragic and necessary.

But isn’t that the definition of tragedy?

For something awful to happen so that the lessons being taught are finally heeded and heard?

Whether they are learned from is another conversation entirely.

These are long days and longer nights that are here to remind us of how much we’ve forgotten about ourselves — and each other.

And maybe even mostly the one who let’s us live.