Contentedness

Contentedness

Contentedness is ever elusive,

fleeing

fleeting

floating

never satisfied to settle

down.

Guilt and shame

for my grasping

embrace me,

tightening, tightening

throttling, frightening.

I was trained for this wanting

Reared in consumption

Baptized in optimization

and output

and self-betterment.

So of course, perfection

is my worldview,

and criticism

my mother tongue.

Matthew Ellis (he/him) teaches yoga and follows creative pursuits in music and writing. Follow him on Instagram (@matthewellismusic3) or visit his website (www.MatthewEllisContemplation.com).