Travelers

It is once again very late, yet still I'm here.  I pondered breaking the chain of posts, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

I was pondering earlier why I choose to share my youthful poems in this space when I'm tired.  It's really very simple.  It would have made her very happy, the person I was back then, who hid most of her poems in a notebook.  It doesn't even matter to me if some of them are a bit awkwardly worded here and there.  They were her poems, and she treasured them, my younger self, and they are still meaningful to me today.  She had wished some of them might be published.  I'm granting her wish, now.

Here is another one.  It's quite a bit older.  I had just turned 14 when I wrote it.  It actually had an entire melody I wrote to go with it, a rather wistful tune.  I used to spend many an evening outside looking at the stars.  I would sneak outside after my parents went to sleep.  I was looking for something...

Travelers
(A song)

They were new to this world
for they came from the skies
Bringing mystery along

When they fell to the earth
the sky was ablaze
And the stars sang their song

We are travelers from a distant galaxy
We come in peace for you
We come in peace

They said don't be afraid
We will do you no harm
Soon we'll be on our way

So I heeded their words
All fear left my mind
my heart filled with joy
As I realized what was occurring
Once more they sang...

We are travelers from a distant galaxy
Come with us now
Will you...come with us now

So I listened to them
And decided to go
Knowing not what lay ahead

So aboard I did climb
And flew out into space
Only mystery to come

We are travelers from a distant galaxy
Now I will join hands with you
Join hands with you.

Susan Larison, 1978

New Beginnings

Its been a long day and a long weekend, so I'll rely on the voice of my teens yet again.  And yes, one of these days, I will try my hand at poetry again (not just the single line variety).  I do have some other poems from adulthood I have not yet shared, but it's been several years since I have attempted to write one.

This poem I wrote primarily within the context of seeking new spiritual horizons, no longer following the evangelical belief system of my parents and just becoming aware of what was often called "The New Age Movement" at the time.  I was also nearing college at the time I wrote it, and I was yearning to be free.

It has a certain maturity to it, reflecting an awareness of (or at least a hope for) an unconditional kind of love, through which someone who loves you is happy for you if you are happy, no matter what choices you ultimately make. 

I'm not sure I completely realized at the time just how relevant a poem like this can be throughout one's life, in many contexts...



New Beginnings

I look to the horizon
    as brightness creeps upon the sky
But then I hear you call my name,
    shrieking through the wilderness of night
I turn to gaze your way
    but only darkness fills my eyes
A wistful tear rolls down my cheek
For I must spend this time alone.
Tempt me not to retread steps
    already followed long ago
The choice to strike out has been made.
To go back would be foolish now
    That world's no longer mine.
I know my heart has not yet found
    the peace it deeply yearns
For I am neither here nor there,
    balancing on the borderline of destiny.
And when I somehow find my way
    to a place I can call home,
Then I will face you once again,
    my life aglow with the smile
        of contentment.

~ Susan Larison, 1982

Friday Fun

As I'm running late tonight, and it's actually early Saturday, I will simply present yet another little poem from my youthful archives...(perhaps one of these days, I'll try my hand at writing poetry again, but probably not riddles like this one...).



A Riddle

No royal flushes would there be
if I were not around
And royal Arthur long ago
would not a kingdom found
No gluttons would there be
if it were not for me
All business would get out of hand
And endless war would plague the land
If I were not allowed to stand
What am I?

I'll give the answer tomorrow, but I sense it won't be all that difficult to figure out.