Feeling Weary

As I began to grow weary,

and everything began to slow,

I found myself a long ways weary

unable to capture ebb and flow.

The wheels inside began to slow

and everything stood still.

The wind's then harsh, yet gentle blow

could not move them 'til...

red all over, body aching,

pounding painful in my head, 

throbbing, sharps pain in ears taking

what breath was left, what breath has fled,

walking felt like feeling breaking,

all revealed inside my dread. 

Thoughts played deep within those dreary

far off places I never knew,

but indeed knew from feeling weary,

feeling sleepy, feeling blue...

and the feeling, feeling weary

stayed forever true.

-LJ

24 & 25 February 2016

Lights Upon The Bridges

I always seemed to think of things that I might dread,

and scared, yet unafraid of what would lie ahead.

I looked upon the bridges, all strung up with lights

to mesmerize and inspire the lovers of the night.

I filled my head with loving words and lulling little songs,

to which the moon and billion stars would silently sing along.

They sang "Do not fret, my love, for the bridges' lights
will safely guide you far 'way from this cold and weary night.

For loving words and lulling little songs did we soon hear,
in your heart, that keeps the bridge's lights so close and near.

Close your eyes, and see, my love, that all of these things true
have caused the lights upon the bridges to shine so bright for you."

I somehow saw the lights upon the bridges shining bright,

and in my mind, I gained the courage to make it through this plight.

I no longer have to think of the things that I might dread,

even if I'm scared, yet unafraid of what lies ahead.

I dreamed of loving words and lulling little songs,

to which the bridges' lights composed as the moon and stars sang along.

-LJ

19 February 2016

Today Was Different

Today was different.

Everything seemed calmer.

The day seemed brighter

the air seemed clearer

the birds flew higher with abundant grace.

The sounds were singing

and bells were ringing

and the world was a friendlier place.

The smallest gesture I could do

was done in silence 

while the sun shone through the window

and ever since,

everything seemed calmer.

Today was different.

-LJ

13 February 2016

Would I Ask Thee

If He was right in front of me,

a question I would ask of thee,

is why the world made from thy hands

has now become a barren land

of shock and terror and deceit

and music played without a beat

and not a happy, wondrous place

as once perceived by fortune's fate.

If He was right in front of me,

would I really ask of Thee

how the world made from thy mind

has left the weakest ones behind

for as result of difficult rhymes

and keeping up with bustling times

the world numbs down in angered lame

and quickly shunned and harmed by shame.

If He was right in front of me,

I would really ask of Thee

how could we, change this world,

so that every boy and girl,

man and woman, hand in hand,

could fix this solemn world of land,

and thus, the world, a better place,

and worry's past, no single trace.

-LJ

13 February 2016

The Brisk Wind

Winter came, and as it came,
I heard the brisk wind hiss my name.

With it, the palest snow whirled around me,

and my contact with the world

for a moment ceased.

As it came, the bitter cold
stole my voice and breath.
And cold, brisk cold,
is how I first knew death.

-LJ

11 February 2016

Aligning The Stars

Finding whatever makes it worth the while,
to remember that today was the day
I found you tugging at the tide.
It made me smile,
that you would go to great lengths
to gently rock the sea
into peaceful sleep,
until the day breaks.

Finding whatever is in your heart,
to remember that tonight was the night,
I found you aligning the stars.
It tore me apart
that you would go to great lengths
to touch the sky
with silent cries,
until your heart breaks.

Finding whatever resonated in your voice,
to remember that today was the night,
I found you on your knees.
(to you) It brought much joy,
that you would go to great lengths
to show how much,

love and care,
you had (for me),
beyond compare,
until my heart breaks.

-LJ

6 February 2016

The Light

In its splendid wonders,
the world begins to illuminate
with sheer delight.

And in its ever inspiring ways,
it began to fade so lovingly
back into night.

In its wondrous actions,
the world begins to praise
in fearless fright.

And in its loving words,
it began to see the light;
how it shined bright.

-LJ

6 February 2016

The New Beginning

For almost four years, Someplace Else Instead has been where I posted my poetry since my sophomore year of high school.  While it still remains a place where I can reflect on my growth as both a person and a creative writer, I have decided to bid SEI farewell.

In light of this, I have decided to create a new home for my poetry.  I think of it as buying new furniture after having the same set for such a long time, but at the same time, keeping the old set of furniture because it is beautiful to look at, as if it is antique.

I have named this blog The World in Me.  It comes from a favorite quote from a short story (or reflective essay, per se) that I have recently felt a huge connection to that I would like to share:

"This sense of 'the world in me' is how I always want to feel.
That one in the mirror has his doubts sometimes. 
So I am tender with him.
Every morning I touch the mirror and whisper,
'Oh, friend, I hear a dance. Will you be my partner? Come.'"
-M. Jackson

This post is titled "The New Beginning", to go along with the last post on SEI ("The End (not really)").  I am excited to begin writing poetry here, just as I was when I first created SEI, and I hope that you enjoy it, too, whoever you are.

Book II begins here.

~LJ

6 February 2016