06 November 2024

After Defeat

 

Kamala Harris, Vice Presidential portrait


Sometimes we simply go on in the loss of hope,
and generate new hope in a feather, brilliant
leaf, smiling pedestrian, working red and green
lights, and familiar names on social media.
 
This morning, I realized I will give up my car
because I’m afraid of driving through merges,
sunshine, and oncoming headlights.  Besides, I have
started unconsciously dozing sitting up.
 
Suppose my head dropped to the left and I nodded
off while driving?  Better to look for the signs of hope
while walking, sitting, or riding the bus.  Meanwhile,
the world rolls on, urging us to ride along.  

 

And for Sherry's prompt "An Open Link" at What's Going On, I give you a brief old favorite that you may have read before "Time is the Key."  Visit if you have time.


My blog poems are rough drafts.
Please respect my copyright.
© 2024 Susan L. Chast

 


11 comments:

  1. Jae Rose11/06/2024 11:06 AM

    We do indeed have to keep going - I hope the journey will be a safe one - Jae

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  2. Rajani11/06/2024 11:08 AM

    It does feel like we keep readjusting our lives and outside the world keeps going, quite oblivious...glad you're choosing the safer option well in time.

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  3. Sumana Roy11/06/2024 11:27 AM

    Yes, as the world rolls on so do we, in our own chosen way : 'Better to look for the signs of hope'.

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  4. Sherry Blue Sky11/06/2024 11:29 AM

    I am glad to read this poem today. I so admire that smiling face above. I applaud your decision to stop driving and stay safe. I love the positivity in finding new hope , which has been made more difficult last night.

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  5. Kim M. Russell11/06/2024 11:32 AM

    A timely revisit, Susan, and I know that feeling. Especially not being able to drive in the dark.

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  6. Mary11/06/2024 6:04 PM

    Yes, the world rolls on urging us to ride along. Sometimes it is a struggle though. I don't think I would be willing to give up driving or my car though. I am not a fan of expressways, driving with sun in my eyes, driving in unfamiliar areas at night....but to me, a car represents freedom. As far as generating new hope, for me it will be a while. I am so discouraged.

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  7. Bing Yap11/07/2024 2:50 AM

    Indeed, life goes on. There is always another option.

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  8. Fireblossom11/07/2024 11:57 AM

    I did the same a few years ago and for the same reasons. I had the strong feeling that if I kept driving, something awful would happen, to me or to someone else. Using public transpo had its challenges when I had to get to and from work, but now I don't need a car, or the expense of one either.

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  9. Yvonne Osborne11/07/2024 1:17 PM

    I have become more fearul of bridges and 8 lane traffic situations. Getting older and more fearful? Eckkk. I think Harris would have been an amazing president.

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  10. rallentanda11/07/2024 6:48 PM

    Still reeling from the election results. Stay safe. Driving is not for the faint hearted at any age.

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  11. Dora11/10/2024 2:14 PM

    "Better to look for the signs of hope. . . . ." This poem just rolls along, matter-of-factly in the face of inevitability but purposefully in the face of change, evincing a longing, solid and unshakeable, to "ride along" the flow of life. Powerful poem, Susan. Love it.

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