Distances (restored to mostly original)
I’ve learned about distances
like this distance
and the how of their lengthening,
come to know every signpost
every exit road along the way –
and where each happens
around those unexpected curves.
Learned, too, how the highway
opens up and spaces change
until flat land stretches out ahead
fallow brown on every side;
how suddenly you’re out there
stunned by warning signs
in a dust bowl where the sun
burns and time slows, where
moving here and left behind
become the milestones we use
to measure out our caring
and these, so far between
Yes, I’ve learned how weariness
like this weariness
takes over
no matter how we fight
to stay alert
our eyes keep closing
on the moment
in the hot dry air
until we sleep
and waking
turn a different way
for freshness
for relief
© belcanto 2020
I read this class poem as reminding us that Life’s journey can become barren and tedious unless we reset the compass direction in a timely manner before the well-known habits and rituals that kept us safe become too tame and monotonous. A new start attitude that freshens hope and enriches our future visions again, helps us break out from feeling trapped too much in our own parameters. All skilfully expressed.
TheRecluse
With all those stars after your handle you must be someone familiar with every former member of UKA, to include me! Is that little road map pointing to the town of Trevor a clue, perhaps? 🙂 A new start that freshens hope and helps us break out from our own parameters. Yep! Thank you for class and skillful, Mr Recluse. Are you going around awarding Great Reads, too? Color me pleased.
Well Bel, some aesthetic values that increase the public appeal of things are worth persevering with, in spite of risking a heavy cost to one’s integrity?
Keep well!
TheRecluse