Don’t be afraid

Don’t be afraid,
it will be quick,
like when a leaf falls under a branch, or
the dew rises at dawn, or
the eagle circles the night.  

Don’t be afraid,
here is my hand,
like when you were little and
we walked on the muddy banks of a river,
all murky and scary,
slippery and shimmery.  

Don’t be afraid,
here is my heart,
like when you were little and
I held you under my shirt,
all soft and warm,
milky and white.  

Don’t be afraid; larks are nesting on the roof again and
elderberries bloom in the garden.