sometimes...
  you are a noose around my neck
   strangling
     suffocating
       terrifying

sometimes...
   you are like a single
terrifying  entity
  an octopus emerging from the deep
    seeking me out
   tentacles constantly moving
testing
  embracing
stinging
  clinging
you are beautiful
   but so hungry
your arms cover me
   ******* at my life force
d r a i n i n g me.
i want to help you
but i am so small
compared to your greatness
...i am surrounded.

sometimes...
   individuals separate
and between gaping breathes
   dangling from the noose
or glimpses between
   the great mass of tentacles
i see one alone
  afraid
on the edge of the abyss
   or a rare
bright eyed spirit
challenging
    brilliant
i reach
  grasp around the wrists
and we hold tight to each other

sometimes...
   you grow to my height
you look into my eyes
   and teach me
you see my struggles
   my fear
and you teach and learn as i do
   and I revel in you

sometimes....
i worry.
at your indifference.
at your disrespect.
at your unwillingness to help.
at your lack of empathy.
at your unwillingness to learn.

sometimes...
i see in you
   every burst of sunlight
    every hope of humanity
      every drop of my love

always...
i see a being of light
deserving of respect
    of love
        of safety and protection
           a mind of intelligence
              churning with ideas
                 bursting with creative energy

always...
i give you my everything.