instead

Instead of having to live a life

of pretense

of performing

of needing anything

Instead.

I like to run my own time

Be my own man

Be my own woman.

Instead

I like to serenade the night skies

watch possums fly overhead

and be still again. And wonder.

Instead.

Of eating a peanut-butter and jelly sandwich

I will drink a green smoothie

Instead of sadness I'll have joy.

Instead of required compliance

I'll have enough to go on

No people no noise

No crowd no talks

I'll be just me.

Instead.

__________________________________

Poem for a dear friend of mine.