Fidelity, Unadorned

If you would seek me in comfort 

Among what is warm and familiar 

You will not find me 

I have retreated 

This world demands struggle 

Daily, we fight for direction 

In the multiplicity of paths 

It’s a war to keep our place 

Some days 

My life feels like I’m stuck 

In the bombed out wreckage 

Of what could have been 

Even there 

There are parts I would keep 

In the shell, I still find peace 

In some measure 

Some ground 

Even broken 

Is not negotiable 

Then there are days 

My life feels like I’m moving 

The question is 

Whether I’m moving out 

Or folding further inward 

Am I walking away 

Or am I digging in 

Is it right 

Is it wrong 

Is no decision 

Actually another choice 

Or is it simply 

Fidelity, unadorned 

© Ron Simpson Jr. 

January 15, 2026