We Were Willing (Day 137)

Photo courtesy Special Collections, University of Houston Libraries

Can we redream our-

selves    hybridize 

our opposite 

   attractions  strong emotions 

we were willing 

once—

but now 

the poles are shifting

compass points

   great pendulums

are swinging  

while we 

sleep   wake   work 

    make  

       appointments   art    love 

everyone is busy 

   knowing what 

everyone else is busy 

   feeling  thinking  saying

all the time   nothing 

is reserved or spared   

  opinions   stories   images

are shared

  without discretion  

we weren't made for this  

  a captive audience

    who never chose

our shows

    nor bought our tickets 

yet what cost 

we pay

we pay

and no one ever asks 

permission

(c) 2017, by Hannah Six