Confusion
Thoughts scurrying in my head
like underground commuters -
pushing, bustling, focused only
upon themselves with no care for
others - reaching for the last
remaining hang strap or seat.
Words tousling for attention;
some trying to scream the loudest,
while others sulk in silence,
hoping I will notice their drooping
lip - occasionally slamming the
doors of concentration.
Distracting me from mundane tasks
the nagging voices in the background
of my single-mindedness, pulling -
this way and that - lurching from
decision to indecision, from certitude
to the uncertainty of next move.
Manic dance to wavering music -
now here, now there, shilly-shallying
to discordant melody and
rampant orchestration. Confused conductor,
misguiding brass and strings producing
a cacophony of sound - a jarring, jangling din.
STOP! Let me try and restore order!
All sit down, calm down, SHUT UP!
Stand in a neat line, so I can
see straight - consider my options.
Put down your instruments, let them
be soundless. Freeze frame! Motionless.
I stand before the still of the image.
In one corner there is 'do this',
in the other 'do that'.
The mayhem surrounding them frozen.
Grimace fixed for eternity.
While I hover in a place of indecision;
fingers plugging my ears; eyes blinded by perplexity.
On closer scrutiny I see 'alternative',
nestling in the background, quietly waiting
for recognition. I see it now, so clearly.
I pick it up, it conforms to my touch,
We leave together by the back door.
Frozen frame melting as movement returns to
the manic confusion. Alternative and I
in collusion, leaving indecision, and
disharmony to slug it out, tip-toe
to safety, hand in hand....ssh, close the
door quietly, they may not even notice we have gone.
Copyright © Helen J Radford | Year Posted 2008
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