Waiting

When I am alone I am happy.
The air is cool. The sky is
flecked and splashed and wound
with color. The crimson phalloi
of the sassafras leaves
hang crowded before me
in shoals on the heavy branches.
When I reach my doorstep
I am greeted by
the happy shrieks of my children
and my heart sinks.
I am crushed.

Are not my children as dear to me
as falling leaves or
must one become stupid
to grow older?
It seems much as if Sorrow
had tripped up my heels.
Let us see, let us see!
What did I plan to say to her
when it should happen to me
as it has happened now?

By William Carlos Williams (1883 - 1963)

I find this poem very truthful and revealing. Williams discusses his dilemma with such a keen sense of self awareness and frankness that it sheds much light on the universal struggle of man and the dichotomy he/she faces when he/she is torn between the need to fulfil his/her own personal desires and the need to sacrifice them at the altar of duty towards his/her family.