We have too much stuff. I remember a famous George Carlin routine, where he talks about "stuff". We have our stuff. And when we go somewhere, we pack some of our stuff with us -  the things we really need. Then, when we get there, we re-pack a smaller, more essential amount of stuff, to take with us for that day....and so on. This is another piece from my favorite poet (Peter, for those of you who have inquired about his name) talking about this same theme. Enjoy your weekend, and be well.

J.

 

enforced economy

 

the road strips you down.

or rather,

the road lets you do it -

just hands you the knife.

 

you abandon 99%

before you start

and don't notice.

a bit more goes

after the first long day

with an obese pack,

the white rind shaved off.

 

with pack balanced,

you turn the blade on yourself,

begin whittling at the edges,

probing for bits of flab

to excise with a flick.

 

the blade ducks behind the eyes,

a selective lobotomy:

weak thoughts culled,

half-formed notions

sculpted completely.

 

what's left

is

the stone of you.