Bait

If I buy that story

I will find myself reeled in,

jerked around, played,

and whatever craftiness

I may yet have

will be worn down

until I am subdued,

as evidence accrues 

that this is the unfortunate,

unalterable truth

But it is not.

I will swim clear of that story,

and any other ones

that cast us helpless,

taken in by tides, ruled by moons

I will remember

the silvery internal guide

that leads me safe and strong

through every deep.

©Wendy Mulhern

December 21, 2015