If I buy that story
I will find myself reeled in,
jerked around, played,
and whatever craftiness
I may yet have
will be worn down
until I am subdued,
as evidence accrues
that this is the unfortunate,
unalterable truth

But it is not.
I will swim clear of that story,
and any other ones
that cast us helpless,
taken in by tides, ruled by moons

I will remember
the silvery internal guide
that leads me safe and strong
through every deep.

©Wendy Mulhern
December 21, 2015