a curve in the labyrinth…

when i am swallowed up in my own pain
when people are here but not here
when i am overwhelmed by the needs
and expectations
of people who want me all to them themselves
to be their balm
to be an audience
to be what they need…

i look for a way out
and then i realize
there is nowhere else to go
but inside

and i remember i need to decide who it is
I want to be

and make it happen.