I felt sad today.
Not in a way that’s new
or worth announcing
but still, I felt it.

The weight of life
sat heavy on my chest.
Maybe that’s why I hesitated
to get out of bed,
muttering a prayer
my heart barely believed.

I spoke life over myself
while sadness tried
to sink its teeth in.
It wasn’t depression;
I tossed that blanket off
a long time ago.

Sadness now comes
like a passing cloud
full of rain.
But after the tears,
the sun returns
sometimes even a rainbow
to remind me,
depression won't be back.

I am proud of that.
No more flood watches.
No more mandated reporters.
But still,
there are rainy days.

Sadness touches me
but does not overtake me.
It lands on my skin,
allowing it to kiss my cheek.

I feel it
as deeply
as I feel
love.