It was a virtual meeting but she asked what I saw 

DISAPPOINTMENT was the word written across my mind’s wall

I don’t know where it came from or who planted the seed 

Growing up, my parents provided everything a little girl could need 

I showed my dad my report card 

I ran fast in cross country 

I worked really hard 

Tried to be the standout basketball player 

Picked the career with the most money 

Anything to get some approval 

Am I anyone’s hope fulfilled?

It seems like most of them leave 

For whatever reason, I can’t provide what they need 

The ones that are here 

All have that look I fear 

A deep sadness in the eyes 

A frustration, a desperation

A longing for more than I could ever provide 

The therapist had me reflect 

Said I can’t control what people expect 

Happiness and sadness are fleeting as the wind 

They’re like a timer in retirement 

Everyone is unhappy 

Young lovers are sappy 

You can’t make someone 

Are you a creator of emotions? 

Do you think your actions and choices are potions? 

She told the story of a man in his hospital bed 

Stage 4 colon cancer was what his chart said 

But when she talked with him, he cracked jokes 

She thought the cancer had gone to his head

But the family reported nah, he’d always been that way 

The day his prognosis came through he went out to the bay 

He ate the fish he caught and then gave the rest away 

His family feared but he kept living life in full gear 

Yeah, he died too

She reminded me that all my own heroes are dead 

My trophies and medals from my youth are in a closet somewhere

My old poems and progress reports are unread 

Everyone’s pursuing the latest i-phone, the newest pick-up truck 

Or chasing the buck 

You’re just crossing paths, she told me 

To think you’re a disappointment is a delusion

To think people are even thinking about you is an illusion

So go on down your path 

You never could be the reason for a human’s wrath 

Be afraid of something bigger 

There’s something else for us all in the end, I figure 

Don’t fear stooped shoulders and sad eyes you encounter 

Surely they’ll be gone in an hour 

Fear the Creator and eternity

You were never holding anyone up – you’re not a disappointment 

You’re not special but you’re not insignificant

So relax

Each person is their own 

It’s got nothing to do with you 

Each one’s anointed

But we’re all disjointed

Let that let you down if it does ~