Nothing

Nothing . . .

a simple word

that bellows through the noise

swallows the quiet

diminishes hope

and leaves dust in its wake.

But . . .

not if you are listening

not if you are breathing

your eyes on the horizon

but honoring the now.

Nothing can be your leader

into an expansive world of knowing

that . . .

you are alive

you matter

you are a voice in the wilderness . . .

and someone is

listening