Choices

“Choices” by Nikki Giovanni

If I can’t do
what I want to do
then my job is to not
do what I don’t want
to do

It’s not the same thing
but it’s the best I can
do

If I can’t have
what I want… then
my job is to want
what I’ve got
and be satisfied
that at least there
is something more to want

Since I can’t go
where I need
to go… then I must… go
where the signs point
through always understanding
parallel movement
isn’t lateral

When I can’t express
what I really feel
I practice feeling
what I can express
and none of it is equal

I know
but that’s why mankind
alone among the anmials
learns to cry