Monday, February 22, 2016

as i learn to read a treasure map

before i learned to read a treasure map 
the x that marks the spot
was a final destination
a series of directions 
before me like permissions
to reach a buried fortune. 
before i learned to read a treasure map 
i was always moving on 
always wanting something more
always this thing to the next  
always struggling toward 
that which i was searching for. 
so when i reached the shore 
i was certain i had made it, 
only to be greeted 
by a billion other sailors 
bored and empty handed. 

as i learn to read a treasure map 
the x that marks the spot 
became uncounted destinations
unending invitations 
before me like permissions
to come slowly.  
as i learn to read a treasure map
we are one clue at a time
always constant
like the rolling of the waves
always returning like the sun
unearthing its own beauty. 
so when today is but the ocean to sail 
and tomorrow
simply the horizon i am watching,
i no longer wish for all the answers 
and she is always reason
to find the treasure in the searching. 

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

nine to five to home

working a nine to five 
one is well versed 
in the number of steps it takes 
to unwind all 480 of those minutes
from the deepest fibers of their being. 
the punching of the keys on the time clock card 
the walk through the alley past the trash cans
the shifting into gear 
the rush hour traffic on the 101 north 
the motorcycles roaring in between the lanes
the scanning of the radio 
the newest overplayed hit pop song
the sun raining in through the drivers side window
the homeless on the corner of the hollywood boulevard exit ramp
the only open parking spot on garfield place
the collecting of my things 
the sidewalk toward my building
the white gate with the inward swinging door
the climbing of the stairs
and the fumbling of my keys 
to the turning of the deadbolt 
home
is all one ever needed to be reminded who they are.