The lake

Uncompromising, hard society standards
and the rocky nature of some relationships
tend to hem me in from many directions.
Yet, the inlet of ideas, surges or in trickles;
The circumstances which either influence
or cause turbulence in my otherwise
placid existence;  The outlet of thoughts:
my actions and reactions in need, in fear
in sadness, out of joy, out of the abundance
of my heart, all these things not only shaped me
to what I am now, but also help me thrive.
Daily ablation help remove the weight of excess,
connections which do not help but bring harm.
I reach into the deepest recesses of my being
with a gushing forth spring - fresh, nourishing.
Looking up toward the waters upon the heavens,
I send my unalloyed gratitude with the wind.
In return, I receive strength and renewal –
in soft rain, in torrents.  I do not dry up.