Swimming Upstream

SWIMMING UPSTREAM

It seems I always 
swim upstream 
against the current.
re-creating struggles 
of conflicting contradictions
and unsweetened scripts
at odds with others
in deeds and words
a emotional dissonance 
played out over a lifetime. 
banged and buffered hard
against the onflow;
prevailing opposites rush
to assail my efforts
intent on wearing me down
scraping, scarring, challenging
calling me out with
harsh ridicule and doubt
  
why must I cause stirred sediments 
to muddy, blind and bewilder me
blurring reason so that
what is seen as truth 
often becomes mixed
with drama and ambivalence? 
 
how righteous is the direction
of this timeless stream?
shall I swim with it or against it?
go one way or the other;
does it really matter?

I cannot give up
I cannot relent...
this is who I am
a person searching
for kindred spirits
to swim backward 
with me
against the current.
to find some direction,
some marker that guides
this hurrier to a another plane
of purposeful existence.

SYNOPSIS 

I think most people at some time are contrarian.
Some from the start; others in their teens.
Some all through their life.
I can't remember being otherwise.
In retrospect, am I really that different
or do I use it an excuse
to be noticed?  Perhaps both. 


CAK 10-13-12013

Copyright © | Year Posted 2013



Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 1/7/2014 11:27:00 PM
I can relate so well to this poem, Allan. Thank you for suggesting it. I have fought the currents and gone against the grain my entire life. I have always gone my own way, even if others were going in another direction. It is just the way I am! You expressed your feelings so well here, and I admire those poets who do so! Excellent work, Allan!...Thank you so much for the great comments. I appreciate it!
Login to Reply
Date: 11/17/2013 12:17:00 AM
Allen, I know when i like something, and this I LOVE>...< first i like the image of you you doing the wondrous of swimming up streams.. WOW! to that imagery. Placing you dreams, in finding whom you are.. connecting with Kindred spirits, finding the right direction... amazing write... a perfect 10... and the second poem I FAVORITE today... hugs..LINDA
Login to Reply
Koven Avatar
Allan Koven
Date: 11/17/2013 11:01:00 AM
Linda, you are so gracious and your kind words tell me that you are a generous soul. Thank you. Allan
Date: 10/30/2013 11:46:00 AM
Mark 14:35 is the only time I can recall Jesus being confused except the exact time of the end. Do you know any other moments where he might have had any lapses. Walking the shore might be easier.
Login to Reply
Date: 10/30/2013 6:26:00 AM
Thoughtful and very well written. I have always liked to blaze my own path. If someone draws a line that can't be crossed I will just dance a jig on it, until the line is blurred and go my own way.
Login to Reply
Date: 10/25/2013 4:35:00 PM
You are who you are, and your not alone. Be it!... Live it!...Love it!... Nice write.
Login to Reply
Date: 10/23/2013 5:35:00 PM
wow not for nothing, Allen this happens to be the best poem I've read this month. ... love Skat
Login to Reply
Koven Avatar
Allan Koven
Date: 10/23/2013 5:46:00 PM
Thanks Skat, I was hoping this poem resonates with some in the Soup.
Date: 10/23/2013 12:35:00 PM
And so well put my dear poet. I have always felt the same. I always "take the road less traveled". Life has always been a question for me, still it is the way I am. My Father use to say I was my own worst enemy...SMiles, I do so love your work. Cannot wait to read more. As Always, Shar
Login to Reply
Date: 10/23/2013 10:13:00 AM
Thoughtful introspective thoughts on the hurdles of l;ife, Allan
Login to Reply
Get a Premium Membership
Get more exposure for your poetry and more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Reflection on the Important Things

Member Area

My Admin
Profile and Settings
Edit My Poems
Edit My Quotes
Edit My Short Stories
Edit My Articles
My Comments Inboxes
My Comments Outboxes
Soup Mail
Poetry Contests
Contest Results/Status
Followers
Poems of Poets I Follow
Friend Builder

Soup Social

Poetry Forum
New/Upcoming Features
The Wall
Soup Facebook Page
Who is Online
Link to Us

Member Poems

Poems - Top 100 New
Poems - Top 100 All-Time
Poems - Best
Poems - by Topic
Poems - New (All)
Poems - New (PM)
Poems - New by Poet
Poems - Read
Poems - Unread

Member Poets

Poets - Best New
Poets - New
Poets - Top 100 Most Poems
Poets - Top 100 Most Poems Recent
Poets - Top 100 Community
Poets - Top 100 Contest

Famous Poems

Famous Poems - African American
Famous Poems - Best
Famous Poems - Classical
Famous Poems - English
Famous Poems - Haiku
Famous Poems - Love
Famous Poems - Short
Famous Poems - Top 100

Famous Poets

Famous Poets - Living
Famous Poets - Most Popular
Famous Poets - Top 100
Famous Poets - Best
Famous Poets - Women
Famous Poets - African American
Famous Poets - Beat
Famous Poets - Cinquain
Famous Poets - Classical
Famous Poets - English
Famous Poets - Haiku
Famous Poets - Hindi
Famous Poets - Jewish
Famous Poets - Love
Famous Poets - Metaphysical
Famous Poets - Modern
Famous Poets - Punjabi
Famous Poets - Romantic
Famous Poets - Spanish
Famous Poets - Suicidal
Famous Poets - Urdu
Famous Poets - War

Poetry Resources

Anagrams
Bible
Book Store
Character Counter
Cliché Finder
Poetry Clichés
Common Words
Copyright Information
Grammar
Grammar Checker
Homonym
Homophones
How to Write a Poem
Lyrics
Love Poem Generator
New Poetic Forms
Plagiarism Checker
Poetics
Poetry Art
Publishing
Random Word Generator
Spell Checker
Store
What is Good Poetry?
Word Counter