It Comes in Waves

It comes in waves, doesn’t it?

One minute
you’re snuggling
with your children
before the day begins.

The next minute
a kind friend
sends you kind words
that touch a place inside you
that still aches.

And you cry
Sitting on the floor of your closet
As you gently pull the small
Scared child inside you
Into your lap.

We must keep the children safe.