I saw a photo today
of a female police officer
cradling the head of a man
who had been shot
in London
his blood staining the pavement around him.
I don’t know if he was dying
I hope not
but if so, bless that woman
who had the bravery to cradle his head
when none of his loved ones were near.
Our aloneness terrifies us
most of us will do almost anything
even things we know are harmful to ourselves
to keep from facing
that aloneness.
I hope that instead
we can find solitude-
the place where strength is given,
where life is renewed;
and maybe if more of us do this
and teach others how to find that place
there won’t need to be as many
brave police women
cradling the head of a man
whose lifes-blood runs into the street.
Slut of the Cloth 
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