Two Woman- A Poem

I was two women.

A woman whose world revolved around others.

The one needed by so many, whose heart and path weren’t her own.

A woman who willingly devoted her entirety to those she loved- gave up her time, energy, and sense of self.

And another woman who observed the first from a far.

I faded into the background.

Witnessed her innate ability to love,

Transform into a deep desire to please.

Expecting no reciprocity but secretly craving it.

Wanting to be adored and nurtured so that she too felt safe and free to be who she wanted-

Free to be me. 

I patiently waited for that other woman to break because then I’d have my chance.

An opportunity to be heard again, acknowledged, have my own desires met.

Because even though we are expected to be selfless,

Being solely focused on others can extinguish our light, rob our spirit, quash the needs of our own soul.

We too need to be fed, supported, and loved.

Without that we aren’t complete.

Without that we cannot fly.