Just Prairie, JP

it could only be on a day like that
in a social group comme ca
where I could find so little pressure to perform
and still
where I could experience so much frustration
and still

with enemies like those, who needs this challenge?
but we do
we need that solidarity and those tranquil moments
when I can be
we need this inner atrium and sanctuary
where I can be

because of my trust you paid your dues
because of this emotion I am so very confused
because of that foresight we knew we couldn’t lose
so why the tears?

I love, I can experience that inner science
my reaction is unlike that
of hydrogen and its eight-weight friend

I can be found glowing brightly in
the darkest of death camps
I can be found celebrating when
blizzards blow through the feeble and weak

and so can my fear
they stand on their own – they lacking guidance
they know few challenges
they weather this storm
solely because I can’t train them to do otherwise

I want my ducts to open
I want to shed this protective layer
built mostly of sarcasm and bitterness
a harsh combination if you ask any cook
but it’s tough to be revealing
when the temperature of this city’s mood
rivals its wind chill

and so I accomplish
what few can, will, want to
fed up with suffering any longer
I can’t quit to leave it to ruin
far too many negative examples already exist
out there – beyond

and it’s you to thank
not I
moaning and dry-heaving, this sickness
lacks self-assurance
but I’ve been given a temporary lift
in the desert that is my conscience
I’ve found an oasis
I drink from its knowledgeable waters
I reap from its experienced fields

It’s my turn to plant
next season’s crop.

just prairie, indeed. peace be with you, JP.