Faith is the answer, when it should be the question.

The deep dark space. The fear. All day we are surronded by the air, and only at night do we feel it take shape. The cold black shadow that covers us in our sleep, that interupts our dreams, turning and twisting through the expanse of our minds.

The child closes her eyes, the familiar black veil of her eyelids blocking out the harsh uncertainty around her. Just as black. Just as dark. But somehow she finds her own darkness more conforting. Something she forces upon herself. Something she chooses.

And when the strain of squeezing her eyes shut becomes too much she wanders to her mother’s room. Reassured with the promise of somewhere to go. Reassured by the feeling of putting one foot in front of the other.

In her mothers arms she finds comfort. Her mother tells her that god will save them all. Her mother knows. The long searching arms of the shadows will not reach her now. She is safe in her mothers embrace.

As sun sends the shadows into hiding, she slowly awakes to the comfort of her own bed. The night before seems so far away. The dark shadows reveal themselves as a jumble of clothes on the floor.

Through the years a simple set of instructions is passed on, she will be always protected, if she believes, if she follows a set code of conduct. She will never explore the scenery of the cool night air. She will never let go. She will close her eyes and sleep in the peace she has confined herself to.

Choosing to place something beautiful behind that all too familiar black expanse, something reassuring. Never visible with open eyes. The savior. The hero who commands commitment, sacrifice.

Faith is the answer when it should be the question.