Not all good things are gentle

Not all good things are gentle.

Every religion has something holy that proclaims by way of greeting, “Be not afraid!”

For a long time,
I’ve lived in a smoky light.
Going nowhere.
An in-between between.

This is a desert full of
Burning bushes.
Each offers its own version of the story.

Life has taught me too late
the subtle difference
Between waiting and giving up.