Alas, dear friend
Our spirits change
Through growth or through avoidance

We shift and bend
When choosing joy
Or wrinkle with avoidance

When arms are open
To embrace,
The Universe replies

When otherwise
Held crossed and tight,
It reinforces lies

For though they try,
The joyful ones,
To raise your spirits high

‘Tis opposite
That does occur,
Your anger makes them cry

And far beyond
Intention’s lair
Results do leave them cold

The only option
Left to bear,
Releasing of the old

So, know in head,
If not in heart,
The reasons I must leave

My love for you
Will never wane
But cannot serve your needs

All that’s left
And does remain
Is reaching down inside

And finding strength
To hold your arms
Wide open, dropping pride

~ Leana Delle
Sunday, July 14, 2019
2019 Sunday Poetry Challenge – Number twenty-seven of fifty-two
Photo Credit: Ian Espinosa