Wake Up
Inspired by Frank O’Hara, I created a poem that is keen to reminiscing. I was drawn to his poem, “Having a Coke with You” and the style of repetitive descriptions that seem to go on forever and leave you with a subtlety of what that subject in his poem meant to him. Through the act of learning to fall out of love, I reminisce on memories that have made permanent imprints on my heart. I use this format to bring myself to a place where I am acknowledging what was and what no longer is. At some point we all must face the truth and wake up from living in the past.
Wake Up by Anyah Jackson
I close my eyes
and think about
the adventures
in the park
on a blanket,
and long lined drive-thrus
but I’m impatient
so I wished for carryout.
you just wanted
time with me.
I think about
sunset watching
comforting clouds
time ticking
the sun scattering
some place - replacing
day with night;
My camera roll is filled
with snapshots of beauty
God provided.
I sit and watch
like a child
in front of the television;
drawn near by
the animation of
joy and compromise.
I think about car rides,
lost gas
timely music
soothed by the radiation
that this movie-like life gives,
the road bumps
that jar and crush;
left with whiplash
Echoed laughter
fallen tears
inevitable staring
the you,
what about me?
Breathe in and out.
Leave old, bring new -
I close my eyes to escape
to a place that
no longer exists,
Spiral in the lullaby
Of your touch.
Resistful blinks
Take your gulp,
Swallow the cuts
That burn in
your throat
Wake up.