Once Again Poem by Suzanne Hayasaki

Once again I catch myself
Before my feelings trip me up.
Once again I hold my breath
And count to ten and tell myself
Not to listen to words not worth
The energy spent to forget them.

Once again I look around me and see
People I love dealing with grief
And reaching for dreams
That no one but them
Believes they can achieve.

Once again I am forced to accept
That life does not let any of us rest
So instead of focusing on my present discontent
I will try to lend what strength I possess to those
Who could use a little bit of empathy tonight.