is that none of this has been inflicted
upon you so that you’ll learn a lesson

or grow a tougher skin or somehow
become a better human. In fact, if it’d

been up to us, we’d have paved
your path with roses (or whatever

sweet-smelling thing catches
your fancy) and walked with you,

holding your hand when it wanted
holding. All that bad stuff, we didn’t

want to see any of it happen—the
terrible bosses, the loves unrequited

or just plain gone wrong, the P.E.
teacher who failed you because you

couldn’t catch or hit a ball. Or far worse.
We ached for your hurt little heart.

We really did. And all we could do
was send love your way in a form

that we thought you might receive
it—puppy kisses from the family

beagle, someone offering you
a listen, maybe even a hand to hold,

and again with the perky flowers.
We know that you missed a lot

of what we hoped you’d see or
hear or feel—so much birdsong,

the surprise of a kind smile when
you didn’t expect one. Bad stuff

happens in your world. You people
sicken and struggle and die.

We’re sorry about that. But look
at so many of you who offer each

other a kind word or a hug, a bit
of music or a painting that lifts you,

a cup of tea and a listen.
We didn’t create that. You did.

All of you marvelously flawed,
confused, complex humans.

You did that.