Joyful Ruins

I like to think

that beaches and trees

will heal me

and though nature and place

plays a part

they aren’t the ultimate healer

I often imagine

the right friends

people

culture

community

will change my life

and though I know

these can make life more joyful

they can’t change it all

I have believed

a certain job or salary

will make me happier

and I know these things

can ease the stress

but they won’t heal the aches

And I’ve hoped

the love of a man

will rescue me from loneliness and pain

Sure

a partner can give you support

but the pain inside

will not completely subside

just because a man loves me

I’m coming to see

that where I live

what I do

who loves me

can help

but the power of healing

and joy

and love

is inside of me