Do Your Best

Do your best.
Her parting words hung in the air,
and my mind,
as I fumbled through the dark.

The night was heavy upon us
and her words seemed to flow
from another world, not fitting the moment
yet profoundly prescient.

The nature and definition
of a person’s best is ephemeral,
changing, wraithlike with the moment
there and gone silently.

These words were encouragement.
A prayer for a troubled heart
and an admonishment
to a challenged soul.

Earlier that day, I spoke of adversity
as a single obstacle.
She reminded me of its true nature
as an enduring companion.

I paused in the silence of the night.
Considering her words as I walked to the door.
In the hazy, half-awake moment,
I felt the compassion, and forgiveness.

You are not alone.
You don’t have to be perfect.
We will find a way.
Do your best.