Asked a friend to kayak recently
I typically go alone
My goal
Complain
About all things me
What I was going thru
My frustrations with life
We got in our kayaks
I ask the lead in question ‘so how are things going?’
‘Not good’, her reply
She then proceeded to share about issues with their marriage
Counseling
The kids acting out
And all things
Much bigger than any of my complaints
And we both left that night
Refreshed
Rejuvenated
Filled with happy
Empty for the moment
Of any complaints
I look her into her eyes.
She stares back blankly.
No. He won’t be invited in.
I say the words to her but mean them for us.
She stares back, saying nothing.
No. We won’t let him in.
She returns my image. Saying nothing.
I turn my head so she won’t see the tear rolling down my cheek. I have to protect her.
I look back at her and see the tear slowly roll down her cheek.
It’s for the best. I’m always looking out for us.
The single tear drops, splashing onto the counter.
She doesn’t understand, but reflections in the mirror rarely do.
Victoria Ayne 