A Look Inside

A burnt sienna sunset from the west, 

a roseate sunrise from the east

accompanies me when I am 

most vulnerable.

The evening ushers me to return to my hovel

tucked in the foliage

Of this island I am stranded upon

Stranded

in every sense of the term

Alone

with my mind and my body

The latter which has been failing. 

But my mind

pushes me forward

to continue to attempt to survive

On this desolate retreat.

Thinking I can

is all I need

Hell, I’ve been alright so far.

A week? 

A month?

I haven’t a clue

all I’m sure of

is my surprisingly functional

mentality.

When I was home, I took it for advantage

hating the solitude of my brain

occupying myself with dismal tasks

That were never worth my time.

You wouldn’t think it would take

being stranded on an island

to realize that the mind is a powerful

thing

but for me,

obviously

It did. 

I’ve learned more about myself

within my time alone here

than I ever did 

at a university

Or behind a desk.

Knowing you have nothing-no one to rely on

Really changes your perspective.

I thought I would rather die

than be alone with my thoughts

when push came to shove

and my thoughts are the only thing 

I have

I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

I wouldn’t trade them to get off this island

go back to my family

my friends

My life.

I’d rather be alone out here

with a clear mind 

To contemplate the questions of life:

Is there a God?

How did we get here?

How am I alive?

Than spend one more minute

in my 500 square foot loft

Back in the city.

My mind prevails through all the tasks

my body believes

It can’t achieve.

The survival is rough and tough

but I know my outlook

my determination and unusual enjoyment

of inhabiting this island-my island

will result 

in even more fulfillment than

any 9-5 “career”

Ever could.