Now What?

Now what do we do? Our nest is gone. Where do we go?
Life is often “Now what?”
After the accident, following the death of a loved one,
in the aftermath of medical tests, when cheated
or betrayed by someone you trusted,
when you try but fail:
“Now what?”

In the case of the two ducks in the river,
start swimming, keep your eyes open,
try not to feel sorry for yourself,
be alert to every moment,
test possibilities,
don’t rush.

Through the smoke and ashes,
paddle on until the
monster turns into a memory,
light replaces shadows,
and the river begins to sing again.
It will happen.
Don’t be afraid.
Whether you feel it or not,
you are not alone.