doubt

doubt paralyzes 

rejection stuns

acquiescence awakens 

more doubt. 

a soul stands 

dumbfounded 

in the face of 

kindness desiring to give, 

neediness being vanquished, 

unrequited love 

pleading for reprieve. 

 Painting:  Acrylic on canvas by Ina Jean Garner, 1972.

Poem (c)2006 by R. Burnett Baker