Weep Unfulfilled Lives

We seek out intimacy
assurances of personal
validation to give
direction, purpose
and meaning to our
fragmented, disorderly
helpless lives
tangentially torn by desires
beyond our capacity
or will of purpose
to discipline
succumbing like
helpless children
to the tantrums
of self availment.

Then mourn, alone
and inconsolable
at the meanness of nature
fating failure as though
free will is
forever hostage
to our inability to rise
above emotion
instinct, self-destruction.

Liberated from the
discordant bonds
of commitment
a temporary relief;
freedom, spontaneity
regained, only to succumb
to boredom, insecurity
isolation, fear and
loneliness. The adoption
of a kitten becomes
a temporary salvation;
company, intimacy
responsibility re-met.

The oppressive singularity
of life alone vanquished
for a moment of anguished
relief, adrift on a sea of self-doubt.

c. 2009 Rita Rosenfeld