Emotional Gratification Poem by RoseAnn V. Shawiak

Skating across skyways, kicking up cloud dust in the wake of
youthful undertakings.

Scuffling with toes along the rocky bottoms of dry river beds,
scattering pebbles across the path of loneliness.

Watching closely, staying back, timidly attempting to learn
lessons of life from afar.

Wonder taking hold, capturing insistent curiosity of child-
like awe.

Grasping the pole of unwavering faith, hoping to remain there
all of life, silently knowing inside that you cannot do so and
continue to live life fully from prospective aspects due upon
arrival.

Creeping sadness, held tightly away, yet feeling it's pain,
satisfies the sorrow life brings.

Sweaters of silence cover difficulties brought into our lives
by tears, sitting back, seeing the differences in others,
parade before you, wishing to jump upon someone else's band
wagon.

Instead many times skating slowly, holding on to the back
ends of conversation and feelings put on display for emotional
gratification.