Patricia Lynn's new poem is filled with that wonderful imagery I love about her poems. I liked this poem from the first time I read it. - poetheart 04/16/02
I expect nothing, I think, as I sit here on this bank
For to expect nothing I won't be without
If I expect nothing I'll never be disappointed
The water reflects my thoughts and doubt.I can answer the phone, not wishing it were you
I can cook marvelous dinners, and not pretend they are for two
I can wait for the postman, but anticipate no mail
I can hike through the woods, alone on a trail
And expect nothing.I can journal my thoughts into poems and blank books
Not worried you'll hear them or concerned how it looks
To spend all of my time thinking of you
Yet I expect nothing--I expect nothing from you.Though behind my false front of indifference, below the rippled surface of my reflection
Is pent up emotion full of expectation, anticipation and fear
Like gushing water rushing downstream
In the rapids, splashing crystal clear.All my hopeful wishes ride this ever-present flow
The current takes me down a river where I fear that I might go
It pushes and swirls at low points, then I turn white as I hit against a rock
I drench fallen logs and embankments and pour down an enormous drop.I'm a mighty waterfall, loud and noisy, falling out of control
Charged with full expression and attention
As I merge with water from every direction
That bubbles and foams, then settles once again in a quiet trickling brook
Not looking up ahead, I keep a steady flow just like the stream
Of unassuming thoughts,
I'm powerless and unable to dream.
by Patricia Lynn