“Differentiation.”

David A. Dreibelbis, Past The Bend

” You’re always ready, to share some good news

A lifetime of loving, put yourself in their shoes

You know you can get there, if you try a bit harder

But with each attempt, the distance grows farther.

You can’t just ignore it, nothing quite works

Jumping through hoops. Only met, with smirks

You don’t fit in their shoes, so why did you try?

Find your own size, and it’s time to fly”

Differentiation.

I’m told.

It’s the new buzz word.

“You’d like this”

“I thought of you when I saw this”

“Just try it”

“Do what you want”

Ah.

Easy for you to say.

Don’t you feel the loving brick of reality,

hitting your face?

I try to be happy, bright and shiny- for you.

But I’m too happy at times, that’s because its not true.

I’d do nearly anything to avoid

to avoid…

oh, never mind.

You don’t have the time.

You got news, I brace myself to cheer for your good luck or pivot to supporting your woe.

I’m watching you. What do you want? Your face, my only cue.

I will always love you, whoever is you

But I don’t expect you to try on my shoes.

I don’t expect you to meet me in the middle; I’ll climb the whole way for you.

Sometimes, I’m surprised by a you or a who

that tries on my shoes.

They wait for my good news.

Their eyes cry for my bad news.

I can’t ignore it that you’d choose

to wait on the brink,

But, why would you?

It’s cold on the brink,

Icy and bleak.

You’re a diver.

I’m a dipper.

Yet your eyes ask;

“Why won’t you let me…

Jump in with you?

I’m not afraid of the distance.

Nor the never ending attempt at something farther

Farther, than I can see.

That something only you can see.”

“I promise I won’t smirk.

Unless you do the same.

I promise won’t shirk, even as you push me away,

Pretending to be the jerk.”

I’m stunned, without an answer.

Perhaps, one day I’ll wear my size.

Until then,

I’ll help you fly.