If i can’t do 
what i want to do 
then my job is to not 
do what i don’t want 
to do 
It’s not the same thing 
but it’s the best i can 
do 

If i can’t have 
what i want… then 
my job is to want 
what i’ve got 
and be satisfied 
that at least there 
is something more to want 

Since i can’t go 
where i need 
to go… then i must… go 
where the signs point 
though always understanding 
parallel movement 
isn’t lateral 

When i can’t express 
what i really feel 
i practice feeling 
what i can express 
and none of it is equal 
I know 
but that’s why mankind 
alone among the animals 
learns to cry

by Nikki Giovanni