When we were children, we used to think that when we were grown-up we would no longer be vulnerable. But to grow up is to accept vulnerability… To be alive is to be vulnerable. ~ Madeleine L’Engle

Wounded, vulnerable, exposed.
Childhood takes the defenseless
and far too often inflicts injury,
sometimes palpable, more often psychic.
We grown children resolve to leave behind
that vulnerability, to be impervious
staving off weakness.
Armored, we lurch through life.
offended when the shield fails to block
every onslaught.
Sometimes, though, intuitively or through mishap,
we learn the blows accepted, expected,
damage less, can even enhance, bringing gifts
we might have missed. Strengthened,
wise ones learn risk makes life whole, worthwhile,
that moving through storms reveals rainbows.