set this down

little child,

take a deep breath and let your shoulders sink down

and the expectation to carry it all seep out of those tired muscles,

and set this down.

precious one, 

can i tell you now 

that you are good

and kind

and important and

beautiful?

carry it back through the years and

tell her.

tell him.

and set this down.

you, soul, 

with your deepest vacant caverns

and shelves lined with countless unrevealed mysteries,

don't be afraid to hold your pain in empty palms,

and set this down.

the strength lies in your vulnerability.