the calm
before the storm
the peace
before war
the quiet
before the fight
laughter
before tears
the positive
before negativity takes control
the closing in
not letting go

holding on to anger & rage
burning a hole in your gut
reacting with a kick
not a kiss at the end of the day

sleep…………
to the reoccurring dream

friends and enemies alike
stand together
for there are no lines
in the sand

our babies all cry the same
needing hugs each day
our children
tumble and fall
no different than another
call
to your neighbor
call
to a stranger
listen to the replies
for they call too
to understand
to sympathize
look into their eyes
for they look into yours
demand yourself
command
your path
rocks are mere pebbles
pebbles turn to sand

we stand
we fall
we lend a hand

in the storm
before the calm
the war
before peace
the fight
before quiet takes hold
the dried tears
that clear a path
letting go
letting go
letting go