in moments of exhaustion, remember

it is a privilege
to feel tired
at the news

to say
we have seen
enough for one day

to have a choice
of switching off,
tuning out,
seeking quiet

to let our eyes
rest and our hearts
recover from outrage
and numbness
enough to begin the cycle
all over again

those of us
who have the privilege
of being the onlooker
rather than the assailed
are allowed
to take that breath

and when we take
that breath
we must still
hold close
those who
continue gasping
for air
who have not
stopped gasping

and we must always
come back, not
necessarily
to the news, but
to the act
of doing
what we can
all we can
to pass
that precious breath
on.