Sometimes people in our lives make it impossible for us to stay around them.

I do believe in giving people chances, and in looking into our own hearts to see if we are at fault and need to change the way we interact with someone.  Are we over-reacting?  Are we being difficult?  Are we being misinterpreted, and do we need to translate our thoughts into different words?  And then, is the other person trying to connect with us or support us, or are they trying to tear us down or hurt us?  If so, then it is likely time to let them go.  This is a theme I have written a lot about in my work.  It seems to be an important, and difficult lesson.  So here is a poem I wrote a few years ago, which may make sense to you.  Keep making peace!

The Way Out is Up

Wasp in an open jar
I see that you are angry
bottled up
frustrated
full of poison and ready to sting
but the jar is open
and the way out is up

I suppose it is all my fault
I hung up
these jars in the pear tree
to bear candles for the wedding
we’re done, I said, to your stinging words
and you missed the sweetness
and the cake

I will not place my hand on the jar
or climb in there with you while you sputter in circles
intoxicated by your own wrath
look up

the jar is open
and you are free to go
in peace