slice through the thicket
it can be tough to admit
that your time at a place
has come to an end,
that whatever imperfect and
unfinished bonds you’ve formed
with the people around you
is over…
but when there’s too much going on
and too much to deal with,
you have to know when enough
is enough…
there are too many
reminders of life’s brevity
to take any single moment for granted
you can persist and trudge along
through the mud, with an aching back
and gritted teeth, but what is that
accomplishing? a few more tokens,
maybe another pat on the back —
you can salute yourself for a job well done
and for knowing when it’s time to cut
your losses and find the horizon…
so, grab your compass, my friend,
because the journey isn’t over
you’ve just sliced through the thicket
and happened upon a new path —
maybe a rough one, maybe a trail
no one’s blazed before
but at least you aren’t stuck,
at least your legs are moving
Garbage Notes:
I always advocate for knowing when to move on. Too many people stick things out for longer than they should. They stay in bad situations because of sunk costs. That’s no way to live.
If something is making you miserable, you should really take a closer look at it, and think about whether or not it’s time to cut your losses.
Finding that horizon doesn’t mean you’re a quitter, it means you understand how short life is, and that you shouldn’t take your dwindling time on this planet for granted.
I’ve written several poems like this one. Because, well, I’ve been through my share of toxic shit. After a while you begin to recognize the signals. You start to understand when it’s time to stay and when it’s wise to fold.
I wrote this particular poem some time ago when I was on the precipice of folding. I was tired of the pats on the back. And I sure as hell wasn’t motivated by no tokens.
You’ve got to light your own fire. Blaze a trail. Make something of your own. Slice through the thicket and don’t be afraid. You’ll find your way!
Franco Amati 2025
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something i needed to hear today!
I can speak first hand and say that this aching back and gritted teeth won't stand for too much poppycock these days. Loyalty and dedication are only worth it if the other party deserves respect and treats people with dignity. We put up with too much these days as it is. Call me old fashioned, but this truth needs to be heard the world over. Always sensitive, always thoughtful, your work shines Franco.