A Poem on Leaving the Junk Behind

If You Can’t Get Your Body Out, At Least Get Your Head Out

A Poem on Leaving the Junk Behind

By Jane Tawel

December 19, 2020

*

For several years I have been longing,

To flee my country, that’s been wronging

The little ones, the poor, the weak,

The different-hued, the hurt, the meek.

And while I wish I could just run

To somewhere that would be more fun

And somewhere that the rulers rule

By being kind, not being cruel;

Well, I have realized I am stuck

And so, I have to fight this muck.

*

The thing is that the people helming

Are far too often overwhelming

In getting in my craw and mind,

And making me feel raw, unkind

To others and to my own self.

So, I decided to now shelve,

The crud, and junk, and just plain meanness

And I will find some light and cleanness

by taking a long holiday,

from reports of the ones who prey

on peace of mind and care of heart.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ll do my part,

To care for others and be strong,

To fight for rights, and right the wrongs

And I’ll stay here right next to you,

But if I can’t escape in true,

At least I hope that I will find,

That I can go elsewhere in mind.

*

And so, I recommend today,

If you are feeling evil’s sway,

Or just can’t listen to more fools,

Or watch as people worship ghouls;

If you wish you could run away,

As I have wished day after day,

If you, like I, believe you’re done

And feel you will be overcome

By all the hate and all the scum;

Why– won’t you run away with me?

At least our minds away can flee.

To better places, we can be.

Yes, Be! Cause life is more than space,

Or against time an unfair race.

Life is about our here and now,

And from inside, we find our Tao.

If we’re stuck here, there’s still The Way,

To rise above the muddling fray.

Let’s run away and go AWOL.

For most important, above all,

Is finding that small place inside,

That in Love’s shelter we can abide.

*

From worry and from grief, depart;

If not in body, at least in heart.

I hope that we can practice presence

And obviate bile and excrescence.

I seek to make this moment whole,

By living elsewhere in my soul.

Oh, won’t you come along with me?

Just think how lovely that would be.

Because together, we can beget,

A loving, caring, whole planet.

We’ll start with just a change that’s wee,

By going there, just you and me.

And we will bid dark days adieu,

By souls in flight, just me and you.

*

So, here’s to you, I give a shout,

If you can’t get your body out,

Then give your mind and heart some rest,

And look in others for what’s best.

To find The Good is just the start,

To free your mind, and soul and heart.

So won’t you run away with me?

We’ll stay right here, our best to Be.

© Jane Tawel 2020