raised this way listening out
for changes in the vortex
eddies in the system
to keep myself safe
I can spot trouble coming up
see the seeds in the shadows
& this morning taking coffee
woman sat over the way
talking on her day
the fella she lives with
I could hear under the beat
how thin her life was
no passion no power no heat
this grey co-existence
compounded by compromise
no light no purpose no clarity
not my problem not my circus
tho’ I still feel sad in empathy
when did she or he let go
settle for so much less?
give up on expectations
on love on life or happiness
accept so little as theirs
forget life is meant as a struggle
to be more than we are today
she caught on I was listening
her eyes flashed to anger
mind your own said under breath
& thinking I will do that
yes
for you
neilbenbow 