–
Practicing Direction
treading water
is different
than floating
with its churning feet
unseen underwater
expending exertion
to go nowhere
upright at least,
exercised, but not
moving forward
more of the same
on and on
I’ve got these muscles
and could do this
for a long time
and already have
so what’s the point?
sometimes
treading water
is a great way
to pass the time
or chat with someone
but sometimes
you need to
just get on with it
and head in
some direction or other
and make a commitment
on what you are trying for.
do we need agitators
that don’t ripple the surface?
those bicycling legs
ever stirring beneath
are waiting for what?
it is certainly not
a way to live a life–
at least eggbeaters
get something done
and whip up the eggs.
my problem is
I want to go
in so many
directions at once
I feel like I’m
canceling out
each trajectory of effort
to a standstill
swirling obliquely
but making
no real waves.
some say, wow,
you’re in the water
others exclaim,
oh my goodness
look at your stamina,
all of your ideas,
and yes, but
what is strength
that goes nowhere
that changes nothing
and results in nada?
I might was well
suspend buoyantly
on the surface,
drifting, basking,
restfully getting
more glorious sun.
I guess I need to
do laps instead–
this way, and that,
even if all the
projecting vectors
still average to zilch
I’ll at least be
practicing direction
added to treading’s
constant motion
even if I’m not sure
how to actually
get somewhere
beyond gridlock
and futility
in the end.
at least
I’m wet,
exerting,
and not only
languishing about
with so much potential
but what what what to do
with this preponderance
of capacity?
how can I attempt
to fulfill my promise
besides this continual
roiling in place
and wondering
whether it will add up
and what what what
is it that matters most?
Polly Castor
4/19/18
–
Related Articles
5 Comments
-
You are amazing!
I love this poem -
Dear Polly,
Your blog captures a life well lived, constantly imparting good–“truth, health and happiness” and I will add, beauty, harmony, art, science –to your family and the world. You are an inspiration to me, and I’m sure to many others.
With appreciation for all you do to magnify good! Mary Jo-
Author
Thank you. I’m glad you think so.
-
-
“how can I attempt to fulfill my promise besides this continual roiling in place and wondering whether it will add up and what what what is it that matters most?” quote – Polly Castor
Thank you, Polly, for this poem. All this “roiling in place” (love the word ‘roiling’)! Yet, Life goes on! What matters most – that ages old question! My direction is always to “look up” and hold onto the promise of “letting go and let God” to guide me, treading and roiling in the waters of Love together. Isn’t there a saying that ‘ It is in the “doing” that matters most?’ Whether we want to or not, we influence others by our being here. Thank you, Polly, for treading the waters so the ripples affect me, and so many!
Diane-
Glad you see some ripples!
-
){kind=link}