Frustration.

Frustration existed
at the first moment of thought
even before thought was possible
frustration crept in
at the moment of breath
even before then
as they nestled in their
mother’s womb
frustration was already alive within them.

As frustration grew
through childhood
and early adulthood
frustration changed
at first it was the smallest
feeling a tinge of hunger
awaiting another
to be fed
feeling a burp
awaiting release
by a pat on the back
a first step
a stumble
and several steps
turned into full on sprints
and it was time to go to school.

Frustration was never
seated in the back
yet never placed in the front
of the teachers lecture
frustration appeared
as the teacher shook their head
forcing them to wait their turn
speaking out of turn was prohibited
thinking up their own responses prohibited
bathroom breaks were few
and if they weren’t quick enough
they wouldn’t make it
and the laughter consuming
as frustration grew.

As adulthood approached frustration
grew excited
and began to lighten
leaving the adult full of anticipation
till the bills piled
and they had others to answer to
and expectations rarely were met
as they realized
the rules are binding
and they’ve been trapped
by their teachers
and the rest of the elders
into believing
they themselves
were capable of answering
to themselves.

Thanks for reading.
-Temperamentally Tina