Every once in awhile

Every once in awhile I want to be built up for who I am
instead of torn down for who I'm not

Every once in awhile I want to hear the whisper
instead of cringing from the shout

Every once in awhile I want to be heard for what I've said and how I said it
instead of being told that I didn't listen even though I was

Every once in awhile I want the sun to shine upon my countenance
instead of the darkness filling in my vision

Every once in a damn while I want to be still
to ponder
to think
to gather
to unfold
to dream
in my own time
*****