When chaos
grips my heart
with ungodly fear

When life
overwhelms me
with waves of despair

I ask a simple question
to coax anxiety
off its ledge

“Am
   I
safe?”

Do I have enough food to eat?
a shelter to rest in?
people who love me
and whom I love?

My answer is yes
I am
safe

Despite political upheaval
nature’s storms
and a pandemic crisis

I
am
safe

I have food
shelter
and loved ones

Not everyone
can answer
that question yes

Not everyone has food
Some sleep in doorways
Or under bridges

Some have lost
all those
who love them

Are
they
safe?

Many
are
not

This reality
changes
the question

Instead of
Am I safe?
I vow to ask

Can I exchange
my fear
for gratitude?

Can I help
Someone else find
Their daily bread?

—-brian j plachta