Poem: Reflection of My Inner Self by Mark Tulin

I lost track of this poem. I think this was published somewhere, but I’m unsure. I wrote it in 2021 at a time of uncertainty.

~Reflection of My Inner Self by Mark Tulin


I looked into the stream
of running water
and saw a person's
reflection
in a harsh reality

I didn't see self-confidence
or love
but conflict
and existential
anxiety

I saw imbalance
and insecurity,
a consistent
lack of empathy
for humanity

I saw my energy 
displaced and blocked,
a collective unconscious
of good and evil,
a missing spirituality--
someone yearning
for wisdom

I saw a man
seeking immortality,
striving to live in the future
instead of enjoying
the here and now
of life's sweet catastrophe.