Mythos & Marginalia

2015 – 2025: a decade of days

  • hard reality

    What ever happened to
    the peace and love we spoke of, 
    decades before? Our realism of idealism 
    before capitalism; humanity above profit. 
    Conscious thought. Truth.
    Was this a concept 
    within a dream, altered by greed 
    and get-rich-schemes 
    that became the way of the world. 
    Do we know how it happened?
    Can we understand? Why?
    Each generation judges those before, 
    every generation knows a state of war. 
    This reality becomes hard
    when the violence is right there 
    in your backyard. Fact.
    Something is not the same.
    We were young once. Age 
    now testimony to where we have been, 
    what have we witnessed, and
    how we have failed those 
    who shall follow. Evolution.
    How do we speak of freedom? 
    Can we hold a stranger’s hand? 
    Are weather-beaten symbols and 
    time-ravaged slogans relevant any more? 
    Honesty. Do we remember 
    how to make love, not war?

    © 2019 j.g. lewis

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  • it was so

     scarcely we remember
           humble beginnings

       the when
                    the where

         not consequential

       the why 
                         however
            a true miracle

         for a time 
         it was so

                     until it wasn’t

    there are no humble endings

         but we are humbled 
         by even its existence

    © 2022 j.g. lewis

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  • night driving

    Nothing is closer than it appears,
    anxiety reminding me of threadbare fears, 
    debt and delusion won’t find me here; 
    night driving takes it away. 
    I do not look back, but glance 
    at what I’ve passed, headlights meet my eyes 
    at the mirror, time has lapsed, 
    rear view explains I won’t see them again.
    From where to there, somewhere, 
    then back again. I drive. 
    Beyond the highway, white lines, traffic signs, 
    eyes align, taking it in and ignoring it all.
    If you can see past the sunset 
    you will always believe
    life sorts itself out at any speed.

    Streetlights shed halogen haze, 
    bleary-eyed travellers flowing either way. 
    Cars, end to end. Hypnotic blend, 
    eyes fixed, eyes focused, straight ahead. 
    Night driving leads me away and returns, 
    again. Depending on the view. 
    Spit-second living, rarely comprehending.
    Where is everybody going; not always home, 
    not always knowing. Destination uncertain, 
    we are all passengers 
    of our own accord. Mistakes,
    complications and reparations. 
    It’s taking and giving and letting it flow. 
    Driving. Night has no secrets. 
    Night always knows.

    © 2018 j.g. lewis

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  • sense and sensuality

          Scant silken stream
                                                   dividing line
                                             between reality
                                            and sensuality
                                                             softly
                                                floating upwards
                                                    filling space
                                               between the ribs
                                                    inhale
                                                sandalwood
                                       lavender or patchouli
                                           jasmine
                                         at night
                                    ease the mind
                                      wipe away
                                         remains of the day
                                            you can’t stop
                                                  time
                                          but you can
                                             make it
                                                bearable
                                                   scent
                                          the swiftest route
                                               to memory
                                                 or comfort
                                              as you retreat
                                                from
                                             negative forces
                                      the essence of the moment
                                               returns
                                                a gentle
                                            equilibrium
                                              meditation
                                            moments
                                         for the self
                                             marginalize
                                       negative influences
                                                   neutralize
                                      behaviours and patterns
                                                     creating
                                             an environment
                                                  of hope
                                               and awareness
                                   strengthen the senses
                                                   soften
                                              your world

    © 2016 j.g. lewis

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  • familiar road

    Brightening sky, the questioning why,
    each day.     World not awake, not yet, 
    and neither are you.     Off to work, or 
    off to where?               The road ahead, 
    you only stare. 
    This is not living, but coping. Existing, 
    at this hour.          We do 
    what we must, as we can, in the space 
    stretching between silence and 
    satisfaction.                         Biding time, 
    tempted by what we know 
    and what we need.     Questioning why. 
    Another try, day for day,
    find your way.                   Another wait.
    Familiar road.    Days the same, no one 
    to blame, but your self.    If you choose, 
    if you see, 
    if you try, if you feel.
    The bills arrive, of that we know.
    Is this the only way to go?              Live, 
      as you can, and must, amid the truth, 
     without the trust.       Questioning sky, 
    common day, recognizable road, 
    is there another way?
       It is as much about how you navigate 
                         your way through daylight, 
                      as it is through the darkness. 
    Take the time, know what is right, 
    sustain yourself through the light.

    © 2016 j.g. lewis

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