Alone, on A Not-So-Distant Shore

My life is like a stroll upon the beach. - Thoreau

breaching feeble barriers of my being once thought impregnable

to and fro

not knowing which way to go

a foaming sea splatters against an outcrop of my soul

leaving a swirl of incertitude and ambivalence in its wake

a tide of faith and will ever trapped in eternal irresolution

roaring white noise swirling 'round and 'round

simultaneously cruel and kind

calling into question the very foundation of sanity along with its inbred cousin reason

fate and destiny battling for illegitimate prominence

alongside dispirited humility, i can't help but wonder

what and when will i find

a wary sea muffling tired prayers

simultaneously interring and unearthing

contemplating if i'm victim of god or pawn of the devil

wondering what it's all for

questioning if destiny ever promises more

alone,

on a not-so-distant shore

Author's Note

"The sea-shore is a sort of neutral ground, a most advantageous point from which to contemplate this world. It is even a trivial place. The waves forever rolling to the land are too far-travelled and untamable to be familiar. Creeping along the endless beach amid the sun-squall and the foam, it occurs to us that we, too, are the product of sea-slime." - Thoreau

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

A sense of confusion and helplessness permeates this one. The speaker is looking for some kind of certainty in life but continually finds himself lost. We are not told about the specifics of his life, only about this ongoing struggle to find the right way. His faith is faltering and he no longer finds reassurance in prayer. He faces this inner turmoil alone. Not a happy place to be.

[Pete]

no, not a good place to be for sure. that which doesn't kill us makes us stronger. a solid foundation is critical ... :)

[Dave Brown]

I would think that your 'so far trip' through life, would have you think that they both have a hand in our topsy-turvy journey
However, I will say that with cold and snow forecast for tomorrow, your seaside snapshot looks less than inviting
Pete

[Pete]

nature is powerful and has the last word. the river near me is in flood stage - two back-to-back storms each bringing 2-3 inches of rain. oh well, tomorrow is yet another day ... :)