Too many times
My child couldn’t count on me
To hold my temper
To count to ten.

Too many times
My spouse couldn’t count on me
To not snap
To take a breath.

Too many times
Drivers who got in my way
Couldn’t count on me
To be a civilized human being.

Too many times
I forgot to breathe
To count to ten
To hold my temper.

Too many times
I couldn’t count on myself
To live up to my values
To be – just to be.

Once again, I’m participating in #blogElul, which I have followed for a few years. In past years, I’ve found it helpful as I ponder and reflect in the month before the High Holidays – Yamim Noraim. Check out some of the amazing themed posts geared around the work and joy of Elul – of introspection and reflection in the days leading to the High Holy Days (Organized by Ima Bima.) You can read prior years’ #blogElul posts via the Elul tag.