We find ourselves

eventually, or again and again,

at the thought–“I’m this old and

still

I’m not over it.”

Whatever it is.

But with that tiny cruelty and judgment,

if we’re honest,

we can feel the rope tied about us and yanking from

without;

The culture’s voice and ultimatum,

no doubt familial message too,

tugs invisibly and hard.

See the rope for what it is,

make it visible.

Then, only then, can we find ourselves

eventually, and again and again.