“The Only Thing”
A poem by William Taylor Jr.

To be beautiful
in spite of everything,

that is what is needed.

In spite of the ugliness
of these times
and of this people.

In spite of what
you have done
and what has been done
to you.

In spite of life,
in spite of death.

To be beautiful
when nothing else is.

It is not an easy thing
but it is the only thing
that matters.

I will try
if you will.

I was combing through this collection of poems, and couldn’t help but feel this one in particular captures a sentiment well-needed after this week’s events.