Rush Hour

 

I rush through each day as if I have endless days ahead of me
When in reality each day is counting down to my demise
I awake each morning running my day through my mind
Planning on how to get there in the shortest amount of time

 

 

I swerve through traffic, angry that it is moving so slowly
I run through the halls, arriving at my office out of breath
Logging in as I throw my purse in a drawer, the clerk reminds me of a meeting
There's fifty emails to answer and the blasted light on my phone is blinking

 

 

Burning my tongue on a cup of coffee, I dash down the stairs clutching my PDA
Deleting messages on my way to another conference I'm not ready for
To be told to move their projects to the top of my priorities
I return to my desk and scratch another due date to my to do list

 

 

Lunch comes and goes as I swallow yet another yogurt and banana
I should have stock in these companies; it's my daily substance
Budget is due and the contracts are behind; by the way where are my handouts?
I still haven't answered that stupid light on my phone

 

 

The day is finished and I finally get around to the messages
One is canceling tomorrows meeting but there are two to replace it.
The last call is my doctors office telling me the biopsy is back
Could I make an appointment to see the doctor right away; it's abnormal.

 

 

Cars honk as they pass me in their hurry to no where
I don't see them through the veil of tears streaming off my cheek
Did I just pass my exit?  I don't care
I'm no longer in a hurry; the sun has just set on my day.

Author's Note

This was a poem I wrote awhile back but luckily, although it was abnormal, it was not cancerous. I just felt that I had to write about how we allow so much to rush and stress us; but in truth, we should slow down and treasure life.

Reviews

[Damian Alan Gray]

Wow. Nicely written. If I were to make any change to this poem, it would only be in how it ends. Try to tie the first line of the first stanza, "I rush through each day as if I have endless days ahead of me" into the last stanza. I think that would fit nicely and wrap-up the hectic conceptualization with the realization that "I'm no longer in a hurry; the sun has just set on my day."

[[untitled]]

What a wonderful job you have done. Progress has its drawbacks...............one of which is that we stop living as we hurry more. I am glad that you are well.

[holly]

What a wonderful piece of work. You captured our 21st century, mid-level job oriented lives completely. The last stanza is an abrupt to 'real' life, the one that actually matters. It's very well done.

[cyanskye]

Fantastic job, you have done a wonderful job putting into words what nearly everyone takes for granted. I really like this as is but I think you could tweak it a little and make this incredible as a written work, not just for the message and emotion you did such a wonderful job communicating. I am going to try to add a couple notes.
Again, amazing job.
C

[Poeticpiers]

The ratrace personified Lena I rember being endlessy in a hurry which usually meant i had to wait on someone elses convenience. Stress is a killer and we create uneccessary stress A meeting which requires your presence cant go ahead without you. I am long retired and only do what I want to do I have no deadlines to meetMy wife is wiser than I she never allowed the clock to rule her life
Perhaps you need a holiday in southern Ireland where the pace of life is leisurely and not controlled by the clock every one has time to stand and stare and swap the latest gossip.

[HoorayForUnderdog]

Wow. We are all guilty of rushing thru our lives and this is an important reminder for all of us to think about what is really important and to take time to enjoy life while we can.

[Dianne]

Lena, this is hearbreaking news for any one to hear. I hope all goes well for you. If you would like information on an FDA pattented nutritional product for the treatment of cancer let me know. I can send you a PDF. Love and health to you.

[Ray Hamilton]

You need to slow down and enjoy life!!!
Hope everything goes well at the doctors
Well written Ray { Not a Poet }

[Becca]

Lena,
Your words and emotions pierced my heart.
Although this a spectacular work...that's not the point.
Words escape me as I feel completely inadequate in this moment.
What I do have to offer is Prayers,a hug and an ear...two ears and a heart.