In Response to Nadia’s Misdirected Email, I State Exactly What I Am Looking For
Balance. The ability to stand on one foot, on a tightrope, and juggle AR-15s,
ethics and dollar bills, while chanting the U.S. Constitution, in tongues.
Or good health.
Unweighted dreams.
A mechanism for disagreeing without needing to annihilate the opposition.
Doorways without doors, truth without fear.
A simple tulip.
One word to describe that instant between thought and pulled trigger,
intent and wish, the elevated pulse and sense of diminished space and time.
Sanctuary. Regret. Apology. Respect.
A tonic to the bitterness, a foil to the sweet.
Fitted sheets that fold. Uncommon sense.
Love in the abstract. More bacon. Smiles.
A closet that embraces everything you place in it. Everything.
The means of unfiring guns, of reversing wounds to undamaged flesh,
and rounds to their magazines, full and never used.
Self-organizing drawers. Due process.
Mothers who know only tears of joy.
One peaceful day.
Just one.
This first appeared on the blog in July 2016. The poem was a response to an email asking a question intended for someone else: “What exactly are you looking for?”
Love that opening line – there are so many conflicting issues buzzing around right now, this poem seems even more apt.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, V.J. I had no idea that the situation would get worse! And yes, it sadly seems on point today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow hi, this is super well written!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLike
Fitted sheets that fold… Oh, yes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A dream…
LikeLike
Reblogged this on SLHARPERPOETRY and commented:
Robert Okaji, brilliant poet and devastatingly gorgeous human, has exactly what this world needs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just simply beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks very much, Mary Jo.
LikeLike
An awful lot like what I’m looking for, Bob — and much better stated. Love this one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Cate! I could add a few more things to the list, but itβs a start. π
LikeLike
Amazing what will trigger inspiration; a brilliant response! π Still so appropriate.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Words just pop out on the page sometimes!
LikeLike
We can’t stop looking. It’s built in too……
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope to never stop looking.
LikeLike
Love this. Well stated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so pleased it resonates for you. Thank you.
LikeLike