Friday, June 21, 2013

A Drive

Revised piece from NWP invitation to write - June 20, 2013

Lately I'm beginning to feel like I should be the one behind the wheel*
The one who takes the reins
The one who calls the shots 
The master of my fate
It's time for me to script my own destiny.

At 40, I'm learning to trust my voice
The sounds, the words, the intentions
She knows what she's talking about
She knows what I need.

It's a funny thing the inner voice
She speaks sometimes in a whisper
Don't eat that donut
Don't worry, calm down
And I listen.

When she shouts from the rooftop 
Through a megaphone
Over the loudspeaker
Do it, follow your dreams!
I don't always listen.

These are the messages I need
This is what she most wants me to hear
And I snub her.

Why is it so difficult to listen to my insides
To be controlled by the external
What we do, how we feel
Societal norms, responsibilities
Family and cultural indoctrination

When will I agree to listen
Trust myself
Get behind the wheel?

*lyrics from Drive, by Incubus

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