Fear's toxicity

Fear's noxious fumes
are odorless
and intoxicating.
They numb all
who inhale them
in a self-protective daze
of paranoia
eventually stealing
their final breath.

Love,
justice,
mercy,
healing,
and grace
are the oxygen
that overcome
fear's vapor
revitalizing humanity
with every breath
to be more fully human.
May we find the courage
to breathe deeply
this refreshing air.