Breath

There are times when the world is holding its breath

When the clock's ticking stops 

And even the wind interrupts its lashing of the trees

These are the times when the world is waiting for the finality of life 

When a baby cries its first scream

And an elderly person draws their last breath

The times when every inhale tells a story

One of hope, forgiveness, and perspective

Or of loss, grief, and ruin 

The times when decisions are made that you cannot come back from 

As one lets go of the expectation of life 

And welcomes the irrevocability of the end

The time when every exhale counts 

As one lets go of the blade they were clutching in their hand 

And instead chooses to continue breathing with the world