Heather Pound

I live in that bewildering place ‘In-between’

Not knowing when I need people—or when I just need me

(Stage 1)

From chrysalis, safe and warm, slips out one wing ready to fly

But wait, I’m not quite ready, I need a bit more time

Wing back in, relieved

Alone is great

Hiatus is healing

Peace

~~~~

(Stage 2)

Fear. Of. Missing. Out.

They did that without me, really?

I ‘so’ would have gone

Spread my wings with joy, dancing

People are the best, the thing I need

This pupa thing is lonely

Constricting, claustrophobic–let me out

~~~~

(Stage 3)

I say, “Yes.” It’s amazing

Slip off to sleep smiling, pondering the next exciting thing

Making plans with my people, thinking about meeting new ones

Why didn’t I do this sooner, know that this is what I need?

Like a house on fire we chat, lingering over laughter

The feast is plentiful, the talk satisfying, the topics run deep

A bountiful banquet of benefit, togetherness is best

–My wings frantically fluttering with freedom

Begin to

Wither

~~~~

(Stage 4)

This morning I just can’t fly.

I can’t ‘do’ people, they exhaust me.

Spent

I grab my cocoon and slip back in.

It fits just right

Nurturing

Why did I ever leave?

~~~~

-Sometimes introverted and sometimes extroverted.