Sometimes
the very times
when I am in the greatest need
of prayer for stamina, strength and wisdom
I am least inclined to ask.

Some days
on the very days
when I most need the company
of people with honest hearts and strong minds
I am most inclined toward isolation.

There are times
when I find that my pride and anger
push me toward the greatest danger
and I feel the strongest drive
to figure things out
all on my own.

Sometimes
humiliation and desperation
seem to share a common path
and sometimes it is the last man standing
who should have been
the first one kneeling.

H. Arnett
3/14/18