Self-reliance is the wind 
coming through the prayer flags 
whistling like a pair of overalls 
on a hot autumn’s day. 
The gravy’s cooling 
and the counter is clean 
and strong as the willow
that boy doesn’t bow. 
The front door opens
so soft and sweeping 
his lover comes home 
her arms full of rain —

& the wind loses interest
in all that pure self-reliance