They bustle from place to place,

Pink cheeks, loud voice, cherry face.

Hands guide, hugs envelope, terror forms,

As everyone seeks shelter from the storm.

Sobs are muffled while others as clear as day,

And yet throughout it all people say,

"Shh, shh, it's going to be okay."

"We'll be safe, I promise. It'll all be okay."

"Take deep breaths and don't lose hope."

They huddle and hug as they're left to cope.

But no matter what, people still continue to talk.

Staying closeby, knitted closely like a flock.

Smiling, laughing, talking about their life.

Not letting their troubles stab them sharply with a knife.

Throughout their struggles, they continue to say,

"Everything will work out. It will all be okay."

I look back now and think with a frown,

How much it hurt and how it hurt deep down. 

How much it hurt to witness the people in pain,

How much it hurt to witness the people stuck in the rain.

Their optimism is motivating and forms my own damnation,

My community is brave and they are my inspiration.