“Touched by an Angel” by Maya Angelou

Dear 20 somethings,

We, accustomed to courage

exiles from delight

live coiled in shells of loneliness

Until love leaves its high holy temple

and comes into our sight

to liberate us into life

Love arrives

and in its train come ecstasies

old memories of pleasure

ancient histories of pain

Yet if we are bold,

love strikes away chains of fear

from our souls.

We are weaned from our timidity

In the flush of love’s light

We dare be brave

And suddenly we see

that love costs all we are

and will ever be

Yes it is only love

which sets us free.

Written by Maya Angelou.