poetry – Page 58 – arts, ink.

Time

Loud voices, outspoken personalities.
The glimmering attraction of success all around us.

Seems as though there is only one
right path to take in this infinite world.
One right path for people to be impressed by me.

But is that what I want people to be?
Impressive should feel good, but it feels empty.
Impressive should foster change, but it falls short.

Impress. Inspire. Impressed. Inspired.
Ironic, how similar and interchangeably,
these words are used on the surface.

But how can people be inspired by someone
who follows the one set path to success.

How can people be inspired by someone
who stays in shallow waters and
does not explore uncontrollable waves.

I fall into the spotlight of success
and feel its withdrawals.
Impressive people fade away.
Inspiration leaves a legacy.

subways plunder into the stations

I’m hanging on to my phone

directions to here, there, everywhere

I assure you I am not lost

far from it

this alone makes it feel a little lonely

and yet filled with company

chats with Chris are long and fulfilling

see you at Main St, we are headed the same way

returning the same way

so no goodbyes are said

a stranger no more

you don’t have an accent

but I do, its an American one i think

Are you sure you didn’t go to International School?

I laughed internally, so deeply

for I cannot answer their questions, for I

myself am puzzled, even back at home they say

the same, however i am glad i amused you

I’m glad.

Summer green turns into
vibrant shades of autumn.

This transition happens,
whether I think about it or not.
Whether I want it to or not.

One morning I notice
my morning walk to class is crisp.

A brisk breeze is hitting my face
and leaves on the ground are
being brushed past my feet
as I walk by freshly carved pumpkins.

I realize I should have worn more layers.
People around me are bundled up
in their scarves and winter boots.

Something about this change feels cozy,
and I cannot help but smile.

I appreciate the beauty of impermanence.
A seasonal love, in a sense.

What a shame it would be,
if summer lasted forever.