Self-sufficient

Living one direction
Making decisions
That are contested

When the persuasions
and hopes
of others drive you
more than your own

When
"I miss you" sounds
like a reproach

It's hard to see
the true course
Around the rocks
When the river bends and splits

Listening, waiting
And striking
Always at the right time
Not missing

When it feels like failure
To just be
And moving feels like sickness
While hiding rips and deadens

Living independent
While supporting others
And finding support
Is the rotating balance
That challenges
and keeps you alive.