In these days,
when it feels like sadness
stands knocking at every window,
and outrage bellows
from every street corner,
happiness feels more like
impertinence than resistance.
But I say,
welcome it all, and
do not close the door to joy,
especially on the hard days.
our four chambered hearts
were made strong enough to hold it all
the painful and the sweet,
the hard and the tender,
the ugly and the sublime,
crushing grief and outrageous hope;
this is the beautiful, brutal glory of life
and joy helps us endure.
- Chantale Roxanas
