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The darkness

The darkness surrounds me at times. It’s so heavy I can barely stand, barely breathe. My knees buckle, my face pushed into the dirt.

He told me this would happen, peace be upon him. He said my people would become the platter upon which ravenous nations descend.

Strangely, though, the sun continues to shine. It lights up, so brightly, the place where I’ve fallen.

I push my palms against the soil, against the burdens that I carry.

I stand.

I look at the long road ahead. I’m tired. So tired.
But a voice inside says no, don’t stop. Don’t dare.

I look down at my feet.
I push one forward, then the other.

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