Resplendent

Eventually we begin to accept the rhythm of life

Between the collision of each crashing wave

And the soft, peaceful lulls of recovery

Learning to balance ourselves in the in-between

Functioning even as the next wave builds

Exercising unwavering hope in what will be

While accepting the reality of future downfalls

That there is never an end to the waves that collide

Just like there is never an end to peace

There is both,

Simultaneously, counterbalancing

Time-limited but always repeating.

Slowly, we learn the patterns of the waves

Growing more accustomed to absorbing impacts

Embracing the calm without expectation

Rooting our feet and our hearts in the sand

With what matters most

What feels nurturing

What heals.

This is the natural way of things,

To weather the inevitable difficultues

While remaining forever hopeful

That in this perpetually flowing experience

We discover our own unexpected grit

Through exposure

Like the jagged piece of glass

Turned over and over again in the sea

Until it becomes a resplendent, polished stone.