central time

central time

1. conditions that i've known fluctuate
in my shorthand residual mind curiously flighty
where the concerns of socialites run
i've secured little gathered only a few odd pieces
like tattered remnants found after a consuming fire
only i understand the nature of their harsh language
how can i justify sharing such personal knowledge
trying untaught ears at this moment

2. where i lived once i felt the strength to govern my world
with respect for time and its ultimate power over all things
some scraps i keep may give account for future lives
of trivial things practiced by a child defending mankind against ignorance...
it was in central time that i grew and learned
felt hurt and cried and saw changes...
reflections now torment me
there is so much spread out far and near

3. on highways with white lines
crossing over and under great stretches of paved land
toward points of interest
my journey was sacred
made with dangerous ease
blurred quickly by poor memory
"against authority!" was the battle cry
but when reaching into my pocket found nothing
i realized all i really wanted was a sense of freedom
a taste of pleasure
in taking comfort
in me
in my own time
like anyone else would



J.H. Lee ('93)