Train of Thought Leaving the Station

Lifelong to-do list constantly looming overhead.

The infamous Summer Wave of Laziness strikes like lightning

Though much more predictable and dangerous.

Frantically opening the cupboards of my soul

Searching for even a small crust of motivation.

Nothing but emptiness and a heaping portion of self pity...

In a smelly casserole dish, no less.

Writing out a grocery list that stretches to heaven

And holding my end impatiently

Like a child holding mommy's hand in a crowd.

Taunting shoulder devil inquires, "Want to break free?"

"No," I reply firmly,

"This is freedom to me."

First item: Become the Best Version of Yourself.

My insides sink, as if to hide from such a task.

Ah, but a note written neatly below - Line Upon Line.

A tune begins to play like a familiar lullaby through my memory

Accompanied by the tender plink, plink of my heart strings

And a longing... no... an ache for direction.

I close my eyes and hum along to the song,

The tune that smells like spring blossoms

Feels like sunshine with a light mountain breeze

And looks like smile wrinkles and brightness.

Suddenly I'm looking into the mirror of my forgotten past,

Forgotten, yet as close as the next room.

I see me - she is happiness in its highest form,

Her smile tells of hard work and endurance that has paid off.

Hard work. Endurance.

I repeat the words in my head as if engraving them into my brain.

Her happiness is encouraging.

I drink in one deep breath after another

And open my eyes slowly,

Like preparing to depart after a yoga session.

I'm stronger. Inside.

And I continue grocery shopping,

With a new kind of smile on my face

And eyes to the skies.

"Line Upon Line."