Balance

I remain the face I always was
with slightly more sharpened eyes
this air of confidence still clings to me
shining, clear and strong like the sun
yet I find, at times,
these exterior rays cannot pierce my clouded judgment.

I have learned to love myself
and practiced it so long that it is now natural
to embrace everything I am.
I feed my head,
utilize my body,
stroke my soul...
but am often distracted
as underneath it all,
I strive to fulfill the yearnings of my heart.

it seems,
when I embrace everything
that another is,
I'm spread too thin
betwixt them
and myself.
and as my head's hungering for nourishment
I start to sink teeth into my soul.

it is an art I've yet to master,
that,
of remaining uplifted
while uplifting another.

so lovely to be loved,
yet so facile to be loveless.