For a Friend

I know you're supposed to think that poetry makes things beautiful, that rose petals never read so pretty.

Poetry isn't supposed to do that.

Poetry is supposed to hurt.

It's supposed to tear down walls

And show you the ones you've built up.

It's the way it flows out of the wounds. Out of the tears. Out of the smiles. Out of the good byes. Out of the bridges that connect hearts adrift in this world.

Poetry breathes live fire into the wood that has deadened in cold hands.

Don't forget to feel.

That's the beauty in poetry.