Poetry / Joshua's Juxtaposition

You leap into motion as if jumping the gun
Just as the checkered flag waves.

Me, I sit in my accustomed place,
Surrounded by a million other fans,
Separated only by my understanding
That we are not observers,
And you are not competing.

Your game is no different than any other,
And no amount of struggle will free you
From that reality-
You still choose to play.

I shall play too.

Your victory lies against the horizon,
Sun dogs sparking that imaginary light
That guides you ever on.

Mine waits quietly in my heart,
Yours, hers,
Smiling contentedly,
Finally knowing.

You strain against the wind and tides,
Chasing the horizon like a hare,
Gasping and heaving
As your ribs fight your lungs,
As your heart fights your eyes,
As your dreams fight for life.

I strain only against my impatience
As awareness frames the shot.

You won’t free yourself with a quest,
Any more than you will within or without.
You won’t cure your sickness of the mind,
No matter how you move the body.
You can’t catch the horizon,
But it will always sneak up behind you.

Me, I sit in my accustomed place.
Me, I am content with my work.
Me, I see it coming.

—Logan L. Masterson 10/30/05

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