I got nothing more

We're out here rising early and settling late.
We're out here working our fingers to the bone with our brains in overdrive
We're out here trying to be our best selves, and finally see the light at the end of the abyss we seem to have trained in.
Training completed
We turn to pivot
and we're gone.

We give speeches to our children about working hard.
We step into spaces we've never before been invited to.
The whole world looks on as we are finally celebrated--the tattoos of our missteps  muted by our victories.
Only to find we have no more time left.

We live our lives afraid to die.
We try to outshine our past in effort to post up on our future.
Others see us and want a piece of the greatness; they stand on the sideline hollering "I got next."
But I got nothing more.

Nothing more than childhood dreams that never died.
Nothing more than words that transformed to power when I spoke them over myself.
Nothing more than the voice I've been given to help others along the way.
Nothing more than love that brought me to a point of focus.

Nothing more than a little time here on this earth to make a difference.
Nothing more than a family to keep me working for a better tomorrow.
Even though tomorrow--here-- has never been promised to me,
It will still happen
With or without me in it.
And even if my time ends today.
I'll still be around.
Because  I've got nothing more...
I gave it all
to You.

​Cynae Punch Brown is a Houston (TX) based writer, educator, public speaker, and singer dedicated to helping grief-impacted adults and children live 'in full voice" after experiencing loss.
​Follow her onTwitter or Facebook @cynaepunchbrown

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