We cannot climb up a rope that is attached only to our own belt. ~ William Ernest Hocking

Powerless. Unable to manage.
I’m fiercely independent,
want to shout in my little me voice,
“I can do it by myself!!”
but it’s been sixty-five years
since that was cute if it ever was.
I don’t want your help.
My nature is to turn it down…
so bear with me. I can do lots,
but I can’t do it all.
And when I’m dumb enough
to try to climb up a rope
when all I have it tethered to is me
then help me, please.
Teach me I can’t do it myself,
let me understand finally
those first step clauses
and finally truly know
I’m powerless over food
and my life is unmanageable.