Rippling white caps catch my eye
As I drive for miles and miles along the winding roads
Passing lakes in every town, perhaps four or five

The water rises near the road
She & I both notice and say the same
“Look at how high the water is!”, we echo.

She is a few years younger than I am
And keeps asking how come I am late
She worried I wouldn’t pick her up - she wanted to know my reasons

My life is so different, I think to myself
I have children and a husband to care for
I left my daughter sick at home, I tell her she is only twelve

She yells at me, not meaning to raise her voice
It must be that she cannot hear well
The conversations have no purpose, shifting from one topic to the next with no special interest, no specific choice

We stop the car and get out to cross the street
I hurry along, knowing we have people waiting
Then I slow down, realizing I’ve left her behind, remembering we are not equal

I concern myself over the most interesting things...
I do not want to walk in front of her
I want to walk next to her - it is balance I need to bring

Balance and equality
Respect and dignity
Not overpowering
Nor overshadowing
It is a struggle as I try to keep my values in-line
I don’t think I’ll resolve to rest about these matters - not in my lifetime.