Mind At The Wheel a poem by Beth Achenbach

Today I climbed into my clothes

on auto pilot

unaware of size or color

or flair.

My mind is elsewhere,

slipped into a shadow,

not wanting to take part

in life currently.

i’m just along for the ride.

A passenger

to my mind while at the wheel.

This trip to nowhere

is slow

and the grey scenery is

speckled with blue

as we pass bits of me

that i thought I wouldn't see again.

It’s an awkward, familiar, comfort

like driving by the sign welcoming me

to my home state.

A heart pang

then remembering there was a reason I left.

A nod of the head

with the knowledge

I am only visiting for a short time.

I recline my seat

close my eyes

and don't give a fuck

where my mind takes me today.

10.27.2016

I wrote this poem after arriving at work today. I plopped down at my desk and thought about how I pretty much climbed in my clothes this morning and the next thing I knew I was at work! I was completely on auto pilot! It's a rainy day in the NYC metropolitan area. I've had a cold and still have this awkward abdominal pain with no answer for it. I'm feeling down today, exhausted from being sick, not sleeping well and having to put on a good face like I'm not in pain most of the day. Ugh! I still know so many more people are suffering much worst fates than me so I will only wallow temporarily and do look forward to what tomorrow might bring.

Beth

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