**AN: Apologies for the repost – For some reason WordPress moved this post from yesterday, December 19, 2016, to published on December 3, 2016**

You willfully linger in the
empty dark
doubting both,
the beauty of the night
and fearful of embracing the light.

So, you tightly wrap that shawl
of possession tighter,
holdings on to others,
scared and scarred to trust
your own power,
the strength of your legs
grounded and holding up up.

Instead you prop your weight,
stealthly and quiety
on the backs on those,
so unsure of what they
really weigh, they don’t
notice the added burden
of your fears.

Those bitter dreams
and fallen promises,
Tied in place
by wills of ancestors,
too scared to leap and fly,
instead you build wings from
the feathers of others
not realizing,
it’s your own will
that keeps you afloat.

Thus, as much as I would like
to loan you my wind,
to help you stay up
the currents of my life
I can no longer direct to you.

© Manivillie Kanagasabapathy