If I possessed the ability to help every person I saw hiding inside themselves;

Their arms protectively wrapped around their body,

I’d tell them to walk with arms outstretched in front of them.

Yes, I’d tell them, you’ll feel every wound and heartache

as it collides and hurtles against your vulnerability

But if you walk with arms outstretched

You can catch every opportunity and every bit of happiness that rains down from the sky.

I would shout at them until my throat was papery and rough like sand

And my voice was only a whisper into the void.

I’d tell them it was better to take a thousand battle scars

 Just for the chance you could taste the sunshine.

I’d laugh with them in the lightning fields as we waited together

For the sunshine to kiss our weeping faces.

Because honestly, I’ll say, your wounds will heal, your tears will dry

But only you can tear down those walls you've built up so high.