Just for Today

Today, I choose to step off the
emotional merry-go-round, put down my desire
to grasp that brass ring and ride again for free.
Today, I know there is no free unless I make it so.

Today I choose to step off the leadership ladder,
knowing that the steps go down as well as up,
me teetering at the top, fearful of getting toppled
by someone younger, smarter, better looking.

Today I remind my inner child she doesn’t need
to always be first to raise her hand, that she can trust
her worth will shine like sparkling water on a moonlit lake.

Today I choose to set aside the impossible dream,
the quest for stardom or riches or whatever else the internet
tells me is just the very thing I must try next, remembering
I have plenty of everything I need just for today.

Today I tell my inner child that perfect romance is an illusion.
It’s looking outside to complete her inner emptiness.
I hold her tight, take her hand, stroke her hair
as if she holds the key to my internal treasure chest,
as indeed she does.