The bursting, buried heart of a young one standing
beside you
and the rhythm in your chest syncopates with theirs.
Tears and understanding stir
yet none but listening
and presence
can be true offering,
if even that.
Their northstar guides them, thick and heavy
as the overgrown path may be.
Stand with them
at whatever distance.
Sentinels have always been needed.
The magnetic pull of all who’ve navigated
through murk and darkness
is timeless.
Stand by.