Taking horses to the water

I have taken many horses to the river
But still I can not make them drink
I hold their heads close to my heart,
Stroke their mane and whisper gently in their ear
And still I can not quench their thirst.

Eventually patience grows thin
and my rage takes over
I can not accept or allow or hold the space
Why won’t you drink?!
You look drought ridden and empty, you can’t hide it anymore
Your sunken eyes see a mirage and tell me it’s your reality...
I see the picture you have painstakingly painted.

I am no longer gentle or compassionate.
I turn away.
because I cannot witness your thirst and at the same time witness the river.

That is me.
My weakness unwittingly on my sleeve.
My heart tucked away.