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

To simply call it an ‘escape’ would be an indication that I don’t like where I am. But I do.

So, I’m calling it a ‘detour’: a couple of hundred miles in a car with a bagful of intentions, a set destination, and plenty of space for distractions.

I left my watch at home.

My mobile device is here if I really need to know, but time was of very little consequence for the past four days or so. If it turns into five days remains to be seen, but I have no objections to this certain sense of freedom.

Inspiration often takes so little time, if you allow yourself the space.

The devices we use to keep us informed about the news of the world, or our family and friends, as handy as they are (as convenient they may be) often take away from what really matters; time to ourselves.

It’s funny how you recharge, when you are unplugged.

It can mean you don’t do what you usually do. Even better when you do only what choose to do, and you do it any way you want to do it. You might not even do what you planned. You may even do it without any knowledge of what is happening anywhere else, for a time.

This is your time.

Does it really matter if the weather app says it will rain at three, or five . . . or even at all?

Sometimes knowing too much can take away from random spontaneity.

Life will do as it does, if allowed.

For the past couple of days, I did exactly what I needed to do, and I will eventually return home with a resolve to do it a little more.

 

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

   Because I cry,

     it does not mean
     I am weak.

It does not make me sensitive
to anything other than
                         life itself.

I have strong feelings.

     I attach meaning to
     each notion I have.

Emotions,
like afflictions,
are a dime a dozen.

The cost is not always obvious.

     It is a price I pay

                     in tears.

 

08/11/2021                                                      j.g.l.

                         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