Obligation
I do what I must
Touch of dust.
I reach, wanting return,
Into an empty cistern.
Dry well
Spiders swell.
Woven webs
Desire ebbs.
My core
Is no more.
Joy replaced
Tears on my face.
Work a drudge
Flow of sludge.
Obligation
My only motivation.
A smile will meet you
When I greet you.
A placeholder
For pain I shoulder.
For those who suffer
Give a buffer.
Grant space
And a little grace.
Set expectations aside
Stand by my side,
In silence
Quiet alliance.
Don’t ask, don’t tell
Your words, quell.
Let me be
But be with me.
What I feel like most often since Tyler’s passing. Doing what I must. Without passion. (11 August 22) The featured image is from the opening scene of “Joe Versus the Volcano” starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Those who have seen the opening five minutes of that film will understand both the image and my reason for using it.