The Stars were the Brightest

as I crossed over the interstate.
The lakeside town seemed almost haunted
as I walked it's streets at 4:30 in the morning.
I walked past houses
as their lights turned on inside.
Obedient citizens with semi-lucrative careers.
Waking before the sun
to drive into the night to offices they hate
to make money that they don't need
to support families that they might love.
But perhaps...
the homes that i was passing
"were inhabited by happy families maybe with new babies, 
a great promotion in a job they like because it allows them to help people, 
an exhibit at a local gallery, 
excitement for a planned vacation, 
joy about a breakthrough in import(ant) research."
Either way,
It is a beautiful morning
& I feel that I have experienced this lakeshore
like no one before me.
Last night was not easy, however.
The wind blew and woke me up
all throughout the night.
In all, I would estimate
that I slept an entire six hours.
Sleep is the most difficult aspect,
for myself, while traveling.
I hope to conquer it soon.

As the Ship Returns to the Harbor

The soon to be setting sun played hide and seek with me
Behind the beach-side homes as I walked towards the water.
My month had come and gone
Summer was a memory to me.
And yet I feel that I still have it in my grasp,
My grip is not very tight, however.
If I am to have two, consecutive days off
Than those days will be spent
out of the city
on the road
on the waterfront
in the forest
in the cars of strangers.
I find nothing to be as peaceful, as serene,
as watching the slow but steady rippling waves
caused by forces unseen
as well as the breath and movement of the aquatic creatures.
The geometric patterns that can be seen
so clearly after patiently waiting for life to come full swing.
I long to hear the beautiful melodies of nature
without plastic speakers in my ears.
The fish evaded the fisherman for long enough,
he has headed home.
The elderly couple that scowled at me when I arrived
with my torn jeans and over-sized backpack,
is now sitting on the waters' edge
enjoying each others company as they are so used to.
I've tuned the world out
& feel better for it.
Music that was written centuries
& decades before my birth
is now the soundtrack to my life.
I have realized, however,
that I must write the lyrics myself.
But it becomes so difficult
when I can
Never say the right thing at the right time.
The tip of the pier, the end of this long stretch,
is meant for lovers.
I am but one,
without the other.
She resides in the city,
our city.
I will see the sunset without her for the first time in months.
I know not where I will sleep.
Rarely do I ever.
But as usual,
it will be illegal,
as most practical solutions are.
She'll be alone in our bed
with the windows wide open,
waiting for my return.
As the ship returns to the harbor,
so will I,
to my love,
my home and rest is in her.