Contrast

Here I stand
Atop this old dam
I wanted to see the view
Immediately I'm struck by the contrast

Upstream the water is still
Tranquil, smooth as glass
Downstream the water is rough
Turbulent as it flows over the rocks

I see the contrast in myself
Calm, controlled on the surface
Stormy, restless underneath
I feel the contrasting emotions
Quiet, thoughtful, gentle
Stubborn, angry, passionate

I'm also reminded of the contrast
Between the two women that I love
For they are as different as day and night
One is tender, kind-hearted, devoted
Trusting, passive, familiar
The other is aggressive, adventurous
Seductive, sensual, intense, unfamiliar
I even feel the contrast in their kisses
Soft and yielding
Hard and demanding

So here I stand
Like this old dam
Caught between the two
To my right there is serenity
And commitment
To my left there is danger
And excitement

I'm caught in between
Loving them both
Wanting to hold on to both
I can't let go of either one
For fear of losing the other
Yet I wonder how much longer
Can I bear this weight

3.17.97