The Pause

Sometimes, you belong.
Sometimes,
you don't.

Sometimes, you're in it
for yourself;
sometimes,
for them.
Sometimes, you don't know
which.

Sometimes, when you've belonged
a very long time,
you ask yourself,
"Am I really related to these people?"

Sometimes you feel a contentedness
so strong
that you can't describe it
to those who don't
belong.

Sometimes you scream out,
fall down
in frustration;
but you come to realize
that soil and screaming
are evidences
of this inescapable fact:
you care.

And that gives you pause.

And for a moment,
you stop running.

And the ones from whom
you were trying
to escape
catch
up.

And you catch your breath
together.

And you realize
they aren't going anywhere.

And maybe,
neither will you.

At least until next time.