The eagle cannot help being aloof

The rose cannot help being sharp

The earth cannot help being aged.

And I cannot help being Vivi

Even in my sleep, I dream of sea

even in my sadness, I love my solitude.

I swim in the rivers of my melancholy

I climb through the mountains of my misery.

I travel for years and years.

And on the other side

Is Vivi, beautiful Vivi, her compassion friend walking in the shadow

(poem prompt by Joseph Fasano)