by Jessica Williams

I was healed by the invitation to speak.

I was healed by letting it all come pouring out.

I was healed by breaking open

and falling apart.

Finally.

I was healed by the place you made here

that was large enough for me.

And I was healed by a *thousand tellings.

Each one soothing some small spot of sorrow

that still mattered to me.

I was healed when you held my story.

When you said it was all allowed.

When you made room for my aching, my anguish, my anger.

I was healed when you helped me.

I was healed by the mothers, the sisters, the friends.

I was healed by the fathers, the brothers, the men.

I was healed by the children dancing, by the art, by the drum.

I was healed at the table.

I was healed by the body.

I was healed by you.