You’ve always had it
and I wanted it
so badly
the Spirit
and independence
to make a baby coo
and scare a poacher
all in the same breath
You brought neighbors closer
and shied away
from false prophets
I admired the heart
you gave
to others
without ever asking
for anything
And seeing your Spirit
hurt by anything
was too much so
I looked away
at anything else
Because I knew
I couldn’t handle
the crippling weight
you carried
on your back
in your joints
and never complained
even once