For a moment in time

How long is a moment?

Because if a moment was forever, I would choose to spend a moment with you.

I would tell you that, for the moment, you are safe with me.

For the moment, you can forget about how tired you are of watching police and white supremacists kill your people on video time after time.

I would tell you that even though this world is hard on you, even though you must keep a tough exterior, you can be gentle, for the moment.

A moment is a moment safe with me.

A moment is a moment of vulnerability with me.

For a moment, you can relax your shoulders and lift the weight of your fears.

For a moment, I see you. And you are safe with me.

You are safe. Here. With me. For the moment. Forever.

This poem is by Candace Reyes, @fierything on Instagram. This is a response to our weekly prompt, "if I could stop time for a moment..." from the week of January 17, 2021.