Crysta Balis
Not Fighting
by Crysta Balis

I’m not fighting,
I’m complying, submitting, enduring.
I’m not battling,
I’m cooperating, meditating, visualizing.
I’m not a warrior,
I’m a mother, daughter, sister, and wife.
I wield not a sword,
But a pen, cardigan, and hot tea.
I’m not tough,
I’m bruised, bald, and bloated.
I’m not stoic,
I’m shaken, fearful, and tired.
I’m not losing or winning,
I’m tolerating, and persisting.
I’m not beating or defeating
I’m watching, waiting, hoping.
I’m not resisting,
I’m allowing, breathing, being.
I’m not fighting.