James Moore Poet Narrative

Contrary to the Bone

I’m sure my first words
As a child were “No!”
Followed soon after by “Why?”
But I only really realized today,
A bit surprisingly 
Given my 66 years on this earth,
That I dislike following 
Either other’s directions
But particularly other’s trails
Obviously wishing instead
To find my own way
Changing it as it changes
Moment by moment.

And it’s been over fifty years now 
That I’ve been able to make my own way
For better or worse,
Although we all know 
The journey is always better 
Than the goal.

Today I hiked in to view 
A wild and remote local canyon
And it only became enjoyable 
Once I was free to wander
Willy-nilly up the open
Rocky and grassy slope of one side
Meandering between shade spots,
But the first mile or so 
Following a cattle and game trail
Through a forest
Was more a chore 
Than what it’s like to explore.

And that’s the key word
And key experience here 
Exploring
All the things it means to be 
An independent individual.
All the things it means to be
Alive.

(5/28/25)

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