the pursuit
Why do you care about solving problems?
rabbits scurry
around pine needles
to the meadow
…
to get to a better place
such as first
in a race
is a problem
for us to solve
if we care enough
about the task at hand
old headphones
What do you think about growing up?
black snake
curling up
into a hole
…
the leather
may be peeled
the cord
might be bent
but we will still
have the music
in our heads
makes us weep
What makes you cry?
cutting onions
a knife releases
ancient curses
…
our tears
may be hard
for others
to understand
unless they know
what has occurred
in our lives
city or country
Where do you prefer to live?
dust settles
on tabletops where
cacti once stood
…
will we surround
ourselves with
an environment
that encourages
and flourishes in
hustle and bustle
or quiet and calm?
different kind of thank you
How do you thank others?
at the podium
the flowers rest
above graduation caps
…
a box of chocolates
a hand-written note
a simple favor
a pat on the back
a planned activity
a few actions by us
make all the difference
knot and not
Are you trying to control your life?
perspective
a stream of wine
reaches a black hole
…
the knots
we tie can be
unknotted while
not much can be
done about
everything that happens
over time
instructions
Are you following directions or making decisions on your own?
drawing board
eraser shavings left
at the front door
…
give us a prompt
and let us plan
to create platforms
and patterns
without being afraid
of challenging the
status quo
seating chart
Where do you sit?
dots and lines
surrounding the
wedding cake
…
when we get
assigned to a spot
whether it’s against
our will or out of respect
is not up to us
but the people
in charge
plan to fail
When was the last time you failed at something?
rising up
the loaf of bread
eventually falls
…
it will happen
over and over
and over again
until we realize
failing is part
of the process
in the game
empty or filled
What has been on your mind lately?
gift wrapping
spilling out of
cardboard
…
the boxes in our room
that sit around
waiting for us
to interact with them
take up physical space
but also within
our minds
sticky notes
What ideas have you written down lately?
cluttered desk
highlighted pink text
a note for us
…
regardless if we write
them digitally or on paper
these note taking tools
aren’t meant
to be permanent
but the ideas on them
will live on
award season
Who deserves your praise today?
boarding the bus
the last passenger
enters with the rain
…
we should exercise
an opportunity
to highlight the work
being done day-to-day
without needing to
or recognize others by
trophies or titles
curb appeal
How do you present yourself to others?
overflowing
the storm drain’s fort
of pine needles
…
everyone may not
get to see what is inside
and behind our work
but we can at least
present it in a form
that everyone will
see at the front of our house
build or break
If you had the choice to make something new or re-make something, what would you choose?
flowers sway
red butterflies taking
a garden tour
…
sometimes we start
to build something
and see it break down overtime
while there are other first times
we break something
and from the remains
a new thing is built
along the way
How do you reflect?
dust clouds
the engine hums
to the beach
…
there will come
a time and day
we find ourselves
looking back
on the what if’s
and what was
with a smile