Poem: Outer and Inner Worlds

Outside
They say I never looked better.
Seems like you’re in a good place
So glad to see you thriving.
Inside
A raging tempest.
Eye of the storm
A void of despair
Empty of hope.
Howling pain
Rage and grief
Filling my guts
With agonizing feeling.
Only relief
Is temporary.
Joy and love
From my cat’s antics
And her loving snuggles.
Blessed relief of pressure
From my own touch.
Resilient determination
Centering my focus
From taijiquan.
Temporary reprieve
Always on the edge of burnout
This is not sustainable
Something must change
Connection to be built.
Let hope and love
And faith
Lead me to solid ground.