Still Life

Oh, how we watch a town go by! Pieces of life wrapped against the elements, going somewhere, always going somewhere. From this upper window, my eye is a searchlight, sweeping the streetscape. I celebrate my stillness by remaining still, stiller, and stiller still, holding my breath, stilling my eyes till they sting. I will my stillness to fill me, envelop me, hold me still from within and without, a force pushing in and out, creating an equilibrium for my soul. And still the life below scurries, scampers, scuttles, skitters, fizzes, bubbles, lives, the quick and undead, each destined to be still one day.

(Written 2021)

Reviews

[Andrew John]

Thank you so much, Betty. Glad you still like this one.

[Betty Hermelee]

I like the double meaning "Still Life"....It seem that you as a person prefer to be still, en-wrapped in some sort of cocoon, watching constantly as the chaotic world below catches your eye, your senses. It's the opposite down there, people scurrying, back and forth, noises from them. But you're correct in saying that someday they will be still, as we all will be. Sort of an eerie ending but powerful. Nice work.
Best, B

[John the Baptist]

Be careful with that chronic stillness. Somebody might jump the gun and call an undertaker.

[Vertigo Cat1111]

This is such a lively piece that is so relatable to I’m sure most people. Watching your town or area change can be odd but wonderful, but sad when you feel as if everyone is changing but you. It’s true, we’ll all be still one day, but it’s a peaceful stillness. Maybe the hectic ness of real life is sort of a gift. I love the way this was written and the homey feeling of it. Thank you so much for sharing.

[Relic]

Sometimes the only stillness you get or see is when you're in your grave. My town is growing to fast...too many houses.

Yes, life and towns change, they never seem to stop. Such is life.

[Andrew John]

Thank you so much, Cameron and Jacob, for kind thoughts. Was late last year that I wrote this one.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I really like this piece...destined to be still one day.
the landscape, your description...you took me back to the day I came to Southern Illinois.
And I knew that I would become still one day here.
I have watched this town go by now for 54 years...
thanks for the memories.
j.

[Cameron@Poet]

I love the way you mess around with your words. The second paragraph is my personal fav because of how many times you change the meaning of "still". Great job Andrew!