everyone sees the world from a different angle
anchored in their own original form, a perspective —
a seat from which to dine at the table of The Real
perceptions vary between bodies, and even sometimes within,
but are viewer and view-point ever one in the same?
eyes don’t create truth, but sight can shape truth —
we can add meaning to the shit we see,
package it up and share it with the ones we love,
and vehemently express how we think it ought to be
why don’t you use your wings and fly?
I can’t seem to get enough momentum to reach
the point of taking off, where you just sprint and catch the wind
and then nature does the rest of the work for you…
it’s a constant sputter of stops and starts
and halfway-decent, ordinary parts
and quasi-disorienting little sparks… and breath holding
all while waiting and hoping,
making sense of all the mess
huh…make sense of all the mess…
that’s what the mind is for — to free you
because if you can’t imagine your way out of it
you’ll always be running to stand still
in someone else’s haunting simulation
Garbage Notes:
First of all, I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I’m delivering this to you a little early this week because I know how hectic things can get over the next few days.
The holidays season can get a little crazy. But remember, you get to shape your own reality. You get to make sense of all the mess.
The poem here reminds me that no matter how much is going on, I still have the sanctuary that is my mind. I can control what I pay attention to. And if I keep my mind open and plugged into the good stuff, things will turn out all right.
What stands out to me when I read this one over again is the ending—the last couple of lines. Sure, I borrowed a U2 lyric—Running to Stand Still is a great song. But the truth is, you don’t want to find yourself struggling to keep up on a ceaseless treadmill.
Between the turkey and the games and all the shopping—or whatever it is you do, make sure you pause and take it all in. Remind yourself what you’re thankful for. But also take the time to envision your world as you want it. Imagine it as you think it ought to be.
The song Running to Stand Still is about a person’s misguided desire for transcendence. We all want to be elevated from the realities we aren’t happy with. We all want an escape from hopelessness and frustration. But you won’t find the answers in outside things. You won’t find it in abundance. You won’t find it in substances. And you won’t always find it in other people. You have to find that freedom within yourself.
Franco Amati 2023
It is a weird simulation friend. Are we not already flying? Such 5G buzzing in our brains. Light rose incense and drink Earl Grey tea! May poems keep you grounded whilst you fly!!!!! ❤️
Living in My Head
I've got a room for recipes
Got a room with a view
got a room for introspection
Got a room for you
And an extensive library where I
store the things I've read
I've got a space for everything
In that mansion in my head
Chorus
Living in my head
Living in my head
When I'm tired of living large and want a break instead
I retire to a peaceful room
With a warm soft comfy bed
Then the world can do it's own thing
While I'm living in my head
Got a room for politics
Got a room for bucks
At times it's hard to swallow
Why some stuff in them sucks
I've got a room with detailed maps
Got a room packed full of plans
Got a room where recent mail
And miscellaneous lands
Chorus living in my head etc.
Bridge
Sometimes a thought is logical
Sometimes it's absurd
Sometimes I want to nail it down
And I can't find the word
After I have fussed and mused
And then have lost the thread
The thought occurs it's time to still
That voice inside my head
Living in my head
Living in my head
When I'm tired of living large and want a break instead
I retire to a peaceful room
With a custom home made bed
Then the world can do
What it's going to do
While I'm living in my head
PS
I don't need a reservation
I'm good until I'm dead
Malcolm McKinney 2022