Into the Tunnel

I’m about to enter a tunnel.
It’s long. It’s dark.
It goes down…

A few friends
stand with me.
They won’t go with;
this is my journey.
But each has placed
a hand on me.
I’ve asked the hand
to stay, the arm to stretch.
And please,
never let go.
It might be a long way.
It might be a long time.
But I will come back.
After the tears,
I’ll return.
After the flow,
I’ll be back.
After the earth
has been soaked
in this grief,
you will see me again.
And please hang on.
I am scared.
It’s dark down there.
I know I must go,
but there’s no path forward,
and without you,
no path back.
Let the river flow.
Let the tears go.
I shall now do
the only thing possible.
Hang on to me.
I step forward
and enter the tunnel.