sometimes we don’t want to be
anyone’s hero, not even our own
or our future children’s children

it’s not for want of large hearts,
or wells of bravery and nobility,
or the stubbornness of faith–

no. these we have in unending
supply, though some would have
us believe they are scarce and dry

yes. catastrophes can stretch
us epic or shrink us to shadows
of what could haves & if onlys

but it’s not for lack of dream,
hope, will, and perspiration; or
endurance and flexibility, strength–

sometimes the longing to be the
one who is rescued, the one who
is comforted, the one who is prized

is, quite simply, greater.