Wanderlust

A poem I wrote for my final semester film of University, attempting to encapsulate the essence of wanderlust.

I

Staying in one place for too long, leaves one feeling restless,

Why stay still when you can explore? Maybe you should rest less.

The world is a large place, and it isn't getting any smaller,

Embrace the tantalising temptation to take in all the flora and fauna.

Through lust to wander, and to wander through lust,

For every lone wolf and journeyman this mantra is a must-

We as individuals be tied down to only one location?

Such reasoning seems to be an abhorrent aberration.

It is essential to all to traverse the path to inner wisdom,

And not become captives of our own inner prison.

 

II

Pollination can only occur through inter-connectivity,

The simplistic resonance between the dancing flower and bustling bee.

Free the mind of complications. Act on impulse with no plan of action,

Satisfaction, is not achieved through multiplication but merely by subtraction.

The simple pleasure of an ever changing landscape passing right before your eyes,

Finding hidden patterns, lines and shapes emerge, a constant surprise.

 

III

Old terraced houses standing united, shoulder to shoulder in crowds,

Juxtaposed by flats standing alone, towering proudly, kissing the clouds.

Idiosyncratic billboards plying products you neither want nor need,

Fuelling our consumerism, ever growing gluttony and greed.

Rows of fresh-faced shops all standing eagerly in a line,

Senile, dilapidated factories glaring defiantly, born in a now forgotten time.

A lone church spire reaching straight up to the heavens like a crown,

The only thing standing between a proud City and a humble Town.

 

IV

Never forget the importance of taking the time to appreciate the scenery,

Whether it be a built up city-scape or an abundance of greenery.

The distance between two worlds can be vast, or very slight,

You won't know for sure until you spread your wings and take flight.

Ride the winds of wonder, the undercurrent of self-belief,

And find the hidden voice, of the falling leaf.

 

V

Here and there, walking on a deserted beach or in an ornamentally crowded pavilion,

Every adventure is equivalent to a million worlds in one, but this world is one in a million.

Think not of the what ifs, insignificant complications or the cost,

Think only of exploration, on the road to getting lost-

In one's thoughts, there is a multitude that one can find,

Travelling the six senses can be achieved with both body and mind.

Embrace the indescribable urge to do something different, and go somewhere new,

Travel the path walked by few.

 

VI

Make the City your venue, the streets your stage,

Be sure once you're gone you've left your mark on the page.

Create a spectacle that your audience will never forget,

And when your journey draws to a close you'll have nothing to regret.

Busking with a band holding no illusions or aspirations of fame,

Teaching a passing French girl how to juggle in the rain.

Camp out under the glowing stars on the side of a mountain,

Wash your weary feet in a welcoming fountain.

 

VII

Whatever you choose to do, don't forget to make it your own,

And before you know it you'll have found a second home.

A place you've unknowingly grown to love and trust,

This, is the wonder, of Wanderlust…

Author's Note

This poem was originally intended to be spoken word, but during the writing process decided to try a more traditional approach. I feel the end product has aspects of both, but more strongly the traditional aspects. Hence why its on this profile.