a tempest nears the horizon
carousel of bellowed rancor
some panic and scatter- flee for shelter
others alter houses to fortresses

not I, oh no, never I

t'is not the time for dread
I sit on a forlorn beach
sandblasted face revealing a wide smile
eyes full of glee, pockets full of stones

I've waited for you forever, friend

we were youthful
brimming with zeal and passion
and i believed
i could never exist without you
i always wondered
is that real --
or just raw emotion
now i recognize
it is undeniably true,
without you --
i would quickly succumb
just the same
as all parasites

dashing through trampled daffodils on a trail blazed by hordes
golden stains on the feet and soul
rushing toward uncertain futures as scores before
why does it seem craven to start anew?
the graves of unfortunate travelers flanking this path
display no shame
Nay, the action deserves the label bravery
fleeing a safe yet unsatisfying existence
in search of a fulfilling experience
I deem myself a hero
others should follow my lead
A remarkable amount of strength was necessary
just to get this far --
so much strength --
so much indeed --
and this is why I hang my head

It's not - I don't care
It's actually - I can't feel
Anything, anything at all - No sentiment stirs forthwith
I care - I care immensely
Somewhere the focus shifted from intense emotion
Towards utilitarian outcomes
I have so much to say with no place to direct it
Words are simply procedure anyhow
Just disregard it - not worth the effort
The cycle renews itself

Another wave crashes upon the head
A cacophony of splashing water rings forth
Arms flail - hands grasp for solid leverage
Bobbing mouth gasping for vital breath
Spectators upon the shore scream for an inactive lifeguard
Otherwise engaged with a personal matter
Citizens intervene, rescue the casualty
Lifeguard alerted - dashes to the furor
This is a premium beach access - display your receipt
Back in the water for you

I occupy an irrelevant corner
Witnessing merry groups consort whilst passing
Days elapse, crowds move on
I remain standing unnoticed
Yearning for inclusion
Honing ponderous ideas
Lingering for an impeccable moment
If I could just --
If I could just get that one moment
I could surprise people
I could become one of these people streaming by
The content beings - the loved souls
The world spins whilst I delay
Countless perfect moments neglected
Infinite opportunities yet impending

Strength unbound
I am brawn personified
The blood of Hercules, Samson, faded memories of ancient Titans flowing through my vessels
No obstacle can slow me
No wall can break my stride
Running - jumping - crawling
I can get past it all

Constant running begets strains
Repeated jumping begets sprains
Crashing through barriers beget lacerations and fractures

Pivot to look at the destruction left behind
Now look at the road ahead
Plenty of pitfalls still to avoid
Walls have been fortified

A simple ladder can climb the wall
A plain shovel can dig under the barrier
A machete can cut a path around the brambles

But I chose the sledgehammer
Sprinting from the starting line  
And left everyone behind at the first hurdle