stop.

i have to say it again,
this time with feeling:

STOP!

it takes a force of will
to simply

s
t
o
p

to pause in the midst,
to take a breath
between the breaking of the waves
requires time and effort,
but it creates a space
where time can rest for a small moment
and we can absorb
the beauty of it all
amidst the horror, amidst the noise

when i take the moment
with intentionality and look,
i see my fortune
in seeing anything at all;
i see what i have gained
by being able to gain
anything at all