My mundane life depresses me;
Through the walls I cannot see.
Living life as a hamster on a wheel
Isn’t richer and perhaps not more real.
Existing as a member of the herd
At times feels futile and absurd.
I am discontent to dwell in the dark;
The energy of natural beauty harks.
The innocence of children abounds,
Though adult dysfunction surrounds.
Music vibrantly colors the monochrome.
I could create myself a family and home.
Mary Jane lifts my downcast eyes.
Experiencing movies, my mind flies.
Art created by my fellow human beings
Helps me stop looking and start seeing.
Poetry creates 3-D images richly defined,
Love can powerfully transform the mind.
Friendship, the warmth of true connection,
Causes in me a spiritual resurrection.
San Francisco beckons me like no other,
Like again dwelling with father and mother.
The rush of spurring on my muscles
Transcends monotonous worldly hustle.
A breath of fresh air is afforded by knowledge,
By experiencing life and classes at college.
Seize the day or don’t bother trying;
“Get busy living or get busy dying.”*
*I think this is a quote from Stephen King’s novella, Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption
A similar poem can be read here.
This poem, “Between a Rock and a Hard Place,” © Jason Merchey 1999-2018