One wore his hopelessness 
like a security blanket,
another grasped her anger 
as if it would defend all hurt.
They looked to no others – 
why should they?
Already wrapped in the comfort 
of despair,
already protected by the armor
of fury,
they were lost in the lies that had formed them – 
lost…
…I had been there, too,
not so long ago,
so I understood
and
stayed for a while.
I tugged gently at his blanket
and did not repel from her armor.
I just sat with them
and welcomed them – 
why wouldn’t I?
Already enveloped by the blessing 
of hope,
already sheltered in a fellowship
of love,
I have been saved
by the Truth
that has redeemed me – 
saved…
…for the ones before me 
had been there, too,
not so long ago,
and understood,
and stayed for a while.