Dear authentic Adrianne
You taught me trauma
Need not define us
But can propel us forward
To prove ourselves wrong
Surpass newly defined goals
Celebrate the victories
We made possible for others
Even with all our triumphs
Life can be cruel and unfair
In astronomical ways
You taught me our only option
Is to feel our way through it
Take it one step at a time
Honoring our pain
Finding our way back
As your unmatched radiance
Reminds us all
We are the creators of change
We are the miracle makers
In making the daily choice
To stay brave and strong
Poems of Pandemic Days by Alice Curley 