Sometimes my heart is light and carefree,

other times my heart is so heavy it feels like it will break into a million pieces.

I remember one time the little girl ran into the room

saying, "my heart hurts, my heart hurts."

I did not know what had triggered her anguish,

but I held her close, patted her back, and said, "everything will be okay."

Who was I to say?

Of course I did not know, 

but she seemed to appreciate the sentiment.

Everything will be okay--

don't be afraid of pain, 

then, truly, everything is okay.

Breathe through the pain,

a friend advised,

yes, my heart grows light,

even as it breaks

with ardent love.