James Moore Poet Narrative

Control Trip

I know I’m usually on a control trip
Mostly because others tell me so.
I also know what it’s like in others;
Because of my mom, sister, ex-wife
(But certainly not the current one…)
And so I know I don’t really like it.
But then again, control tripping
Is about maintaining control;
Quality control, law and order, sanity…
So I also know I do like it.

Maybe the bigger issue is lack of control.
Maybe my desire to control situations and others
Is just the spill over of my lack of self-control.

I think self control while always within reach
Is the hardest because we’re always reacting
To a world - situations and others - that is changing
And at our control in only the most superficial of ways.
Maybe that’s why being on a control trip
Feels so petty,
Because we are focusing on
And immersing ourselves
In the pettiest aspects of Life.

Life, itself is more adaptive than controlling
Responding constantly to different signals,
From every direction, every dimension,
And not some top down authoritative 
Command and control hierarchy.
Life, if nothing else, is an interpenetrating whole
Which simply means, we can head out
On our control trip, all planned and packed,
And ready to go on some exciting adventure,
But the actual adventure that awaits
Is a different story altogether.

(11/26/25)

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Kim Rodrigues November 26, 2025 at 7:14 AM I like the book I read once. I think it was called, “Imperfect Control.” It is the push and pull of control. To relinquish some control is good. To work together is good. A husband does good to lead, but also to leave room for his wife. Said imperfectly, I know ;) I enjoyed your poem, James! James Moore November 26, 2025 at 7:19 AM Well, there ya go, imperfect control is being content with just saying it or doing it without it having to be perfect! I think you said it better Kim (and quicker) than I did!