DO NOT BE AFRAID

the pipecleaner man lay curled up
trembling in the dark
as day broke
he peered up ominously at the unrelenting sky
barbs of guilt and sorrow tore at his flesh
invisible strings tugged him downwards
powerlessness overwelmed him
his thoughts were incoherent
his words struggled
toward the end of their pointless sentences
do not be afraid
said the voice
today is a new day
do what you can
do what you will
do not give up
do not stop trying
enjoy what you do
you have nothing to lose
and everything to gain
most of all
do not be afraid
a black crow squawked loudly
and flew from its perch
away across the houses