James Scanlan

James Scanlan May 2017

I came upon a fork in my path
And there was one less traveled than the other

Take the beaten path
That many people can't be wrong
It's best to be safe
Take the path less traveled
Because it is traveled less
Conform to unconformity

I strode straight ahead
Choosing neither path
And to my surprise, I came upon a place
Hidden from prying eyes
And I stayed a long while
Content with my life
Until I traveled once more
To places unknown

James Scanlan May 2017

What Could Have Been

If within you lies a hidden desire
A secret truth burning with unquenchable fire
Then bare your heart for all to see
I like you, do you like me?
For it is a terrible pain, I'm sure
To hear from someone half out the door
I liked you, did you like me?
And you're filled with such tremendous glee
But she is already gone by then
And all you can think is
*What Could Have Been.

She is leaving in a few weeks.

James Scanlan May 2017

The Wall

The Wall I have built
Around my Heart
Is neither Tall
Nor very Wide
But it is Sturdy
Propped up by my Doubts
And Insecurities
And Strengthened
By my Rationalizations
Of why No One
Would ever Love me

*someone, anyone,
Break It Down!

James Scanlan May 2017

The Most Beautiful Thing

What is the most beautiful thing
You have ever seen?

Dandelions in the sun
Growing on rolling hills
Among vibrant green grass
Or maybe
A snowflake midway between
Pale blue sky and soft white ground
Frozen perfect in the air
Or maybe
A lion roaming the plains
Golden, strong, majestic
Protecting his precious pride
Or maybe
Your child playing and laughing
In your home while wearing
a shirt that is inside-out
Or maybe
A smile, full of joy
Pure and unrestrained
With a warmth that you can feel

What is the most beautiful thing
You have ever seen?

James Scanlan May 2017

Into the Night

Darkness is the absence
Of light
It covers, hides, and conceals
Formless things from
Our sight

So why does the
Fading light
Reveal my worries, doubts, and fears
As I journey darker
Into Night

James Scanlan May 2017

Masks

I have many Masks

The Stranger Mask
Polite and well-adjusted
It is a facade of falsehood
Shown to strangers
Who do not know me

My Work Mask
Professional and dependable
A monotonous existence
That stifles and smothers
Who I want to be

The Mask for Family
Obedient and loving
It is who I used to be
But a little different
From who I've become

A Friendly Mask
Joyful and content
It is my favorite mask
For it shows someone
Who fits well with others
But it is not all of who I am

The Dark Mask
Hidden and fearful
It is worn only when
I am alone
It is the truest lie
I tell myself

I have many Masks
Only God knows my Face

James Scanlan Apr 2017

Good Morning

The smell of coffee, fresh brewed.
Sunlight dappling the curtains
And the warmth of a blanket

Breath in deeply the numerous scents
Grass, I never knew it smelt so good,
A breeze from the bakery,
And the bacon and eggs already made.

Thanks said and prayer over
Eyes closed and mouth chewing
Hunger satisfied and a glass of OJ
Morning business calls

Freshly shaved, with hair gelled
And clean clothes.
Walk outside and hear the chirping of nature
Passerbys greet politely
"Good morning!"

It truly is.

I woke up on the right side of the bed