J.H. Lee

central time

1.

conditions that i've known fluctuate

in my shorthand residual mind curiously flighty

with any concerns socialites might have

i've secured little gathered only a few odd pieces

like tattered remnants found after a consuming fire

only i understand the nature of their harsh language

how can i justify sharing such personal knowledge

trying untaught ears at this moment

 

2.

where i lived once i felt the strength to govern my world

with respect for time and its ultimate power over all things

some scraps i keep may give account for future lives

of trivial things practiced by a child defending mankind against ignorance...

it was in central time that i grew and learned

felt hurt and cried and saw changes...

reflections now torment me

there is so much spread out far and near

 

3.

on highways with white lines

crossing over and under great stretches of paved land

toward points of interest

my journey was sacred

made with dangerous ease

blurred quickly by poor memory

"against authority!" was the battle cry

but when reaching into my pocket found nothing

i realized all i really wanted was a sense of freedom

a taste of pleasure

in taking comfort

in me

in my own time

like anyone else would