By Lucy Tian '22
Have you ever tasted fear?
when your stomach drops and time stops because there’s this
potent rush of metal blooming behind your teeth
the fear caused by the ones we should never have to fear and
when a home isn’t a real home
but a scar that never heals
fear that divides, builds walls, and tells lies
about who we
can love
should love
hide love from
Have you ever heard Love?
a tender and undeniable Love
crashing into the gaping hole pressed into your chest
unrelenting in its declarations of healing
of restoring
and when the hidden fears of your soul cry out
Love gently breathes truth over the pain
like gloves that block the bite of winter
comforting
protecting
warming
Love meets fear at the boundaries fear drew for it
crossing them without hesitation
Love makes a home in places where fear reigned
reclaiming them for itself
Love picks up the tattered shreds fear made
redeeming them as
loved
treasured
forgiven
Have you ever seen forgiveness?