as they all went forward – I looked back

Rocky Lagou

With a bustle and headbutt against the window –

We all began our journey.

 

For some that dream lied on the surface

Like the bedsheet that covers the ocean’s wishful waves.

However, theirs were often watered down and way too mediocre.

 

For others that dream lived in the clouds –

In the baby blue pillow of the sky.

However, theirs were way too high – like mindless visionaries.

 

The dreams were scattered all throughout streets,

The offices,

The skyrises.

 

But as the wheels on the big yellow bus

Went round and round.

 

I found myself on middle ground.

 

My desires weren’t in the cloud’s improbability –

Nor in the water’s shallow ease.

 

I was unsure of my calling as the rest progressed to their destinies.

 

The driver reached my destination with a red octagonal “STOP”

 

As if the bus knew of my uncertainty – and it willingly did mock.

  • Author: Rocky Lagou (Offline Offline)
  • Published: April 25th, 2022 11:17
  • Comment from author about the poem: I used to ride a bus to school and seeing the excitement in the air was almost suffocating. Yet to this day, I'm unsure of where my future calls.
  • Category: Reflection
  • Views: 33
  • Users favorite of this poem: spilleronsheet, Laura🌻.
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Comments13

  • Crowns4Christ

    In time, your future will unfold

    • Rocky Lagou

      I do hope so. I have so many aspirations, but the funniest part about it is that they're all "impractical." Like writing, singing, acting, and playing instruments. People say that it's unrealistic and most likely never going to flourish, but the thing is that the arts are my only interest. So it feels like I'm stuck in a place where I'll never be able to prosper in a field that I truly love. I just hold onto the glimmer of hope that I'll succeed one day. Thanks for the review, much appreciated, have a lovely day!

      • Crowns4Christ

        You will accomplish your dreams Rocky, it doesn't matter what people say, you're a very talented writer, and I'm positive that you would be in everything else also, follow your dreams Rocky, God will lead you, don't ever give up, strive to be happy, sure it might be a challenge,but, challenge accepted, is what I would say, prove everybody wrong, I look forward to hearing you, reading your work, and seeing you act, I believe in you,you CAN do it

      • 2 more comments

      • Neville


        that is one helluva journey .. and you aint there yet .. there's still plenty of time though and hopefully loads of opportunities will present themselves along the way ..
        ... Neville

        • Rocky Lagou

          Oh thank you kindly dear Neville! Life can be unbearable when all those around seem to be prospering and flourishing in their dreams, you know, attaining scholarships to the best universities and having that "steadfast" mindset to what they'll do when they're older. Yet for me, I still feel a little lost. I feel I have potential yet my dreams just don't seem to coincide with reality. I just hope that "STOP" sign won't be a nuisance, telling me that I won't reach my goals. Have a fine day and thank you!

          • Neville



            I get what you mean, but if necessary, we can shift the stop sign ............ no kiddin .. 🙂 Neville

          • dusk arising

            I remember similar feelings as a young man. As i grew older the choices i made brought their own consequences and opportunities and so rewards. They didn't arrive in a rush, life is a long process and many changes will affect you, some profoundly, though some profound world events may just pass you by.

            There's so much luck involved. Like the lucky kid who hated his piano lessons but found he liked to dance to music and a guitarist he met knew a drummer and they made some good feeling stuff and luckily someone who knew someone heard them and before he knew it he was Liberace LOL just kiddin. But luck plays a big part. A boss ( a salesman ) once told me "the harder you try, the luckier you get" and that appealed to me, it worked for him and it worked for me. I could write loads on this but.....

            • Rocky Lagou

              You've truly spoken truth Dusk. I guess I never fully realized just how big of a role luck plays in one's success. It's true, most singers, writers, actors, etc... gain recognition because of a person (with power in the industry) being able to identify their talent and bringing it to a new height. However, if it weren't for that person being there at the right time, said person with talent would just slave their days trying to make it big with each gig they achieve but never fully reach the limelight. Currently I'm just trying to write with the utmost authenticity in hopes one day I'll be recognized. Thanks for the comment Dusk, it really means a lot to me, have a great day!

            • Fay Slimm.

              Dreams have sometimes to take second place depending on changes in circumstance etc. but that Stop sign is merely telling there is plenty ahead and to rest in the moment until dreams become clearer - at least that's how it appears to me dear Rocky." Head high and stride forward to beckon tomorrow " is a mantra that helps me along.

              • Rocky Lagou

                Wow Fay. I never saw the "Stop sign" in that pov. You've truly enlightened me today. That "stop" could merely be a yield which allows for self-evaluation and growth to then reach that "dream." Thank you for the taking the time to read and leave a kindhearted comment, that mantra will surely come in handy. Have a blessed day!

              • Christina8

                Be confident that you will find your way, you are an amazing writer! All those things that people say are impractical, well, there are many successful people doing those arts. And you will be great at whatever you choose!!! 🙂 Christina

                • Rocky Lagou

                  Oh thank you thank you! You're so kind, I like to hold onto the hope that I'll find my own path one day. It's just that in this day and age it feels that making it big in the arts is almost impossible if you don't have those "connections" with high status people. I will, however, stay confident and hopeful. Thank you beloved Christina for your words and care. Have a marvelous day!

                • Rozina

                  Go forth Rocky, your talent is massive. Writing, singing, acting, playing instruments - these are difficult to achieve by so many people. You will get your lucky break ahead so keep on keeping on.

                  • Rocky Lagou

                    My gratitude is abundant dear Rozina. I'm truly humbled to read your generous remarks. I do dwell in the artistic realm and follow my muses shoulder to shoulder to reach that social comfort place. I know with hope and determination all things are possible. Your words are sincerely appreciated, have a wonderful day!

                  • spilleronsheet

                    That was a windy ride…
                    But the bus driver itself was unsure what he was driving cause he couldn’t see the journey ahead…cause dearest Rocky was climbing the Everest
                    And sure enough it’s not normal to do that
                    Though I am sure we two are unsure what would happen next
                    But fate, higher power or Almighty in heaven
                    Whichever you may believe have stars in our lives shining with the most beautiful sparking lights

                    • Rocky Lagou

                      What an empathetic response dear Spiller. That bus driver does seem pretty clueless, hehe. Nonetheless, I've noticed that I tend to focus on those around me and allow for their success and prosperity to bring me down. It's not envy but rather a sense of hopelessness that I'll never make it as far as them. But these sincere words have truly impassioned me today, and I know that with enough determination and steadfastness all things are possible. Thank you truly for your read and comment, have a lovely day!

                      • spilleronsheet

                        I am happy I could make you happy…but those words I said are truly sincere…your poetry has healing powers…and a person who at times may have self doubt maybe is because of humbleness we wear on our sleeves…I am pretty sure my dear friend, we shall bloom together….in a garden we all shall bloom one day…some fast and some at slow pace…

                      • Goldfinch60

                        That future is there for you Rocky, grab it with both ands and your heart.

                        Andy

                        • Rocky Lagou

                          Yes, indeed dear Andy! I will do all I can to reach the seemingly intangible and dwell within it. Because with determination we can succeed. Thank you for the comment, much appreciated, have a great day!

                        • orchidee

                          Oohh, I'm 'quote-y' today! lol.
                          This came to mind: 'Two men in prison; one looked up; the other looked down; one saw stars; the other saw mud'. Dale Carnegie - a wise old biddy!

                          • Rocky Lagou

                            A truly fitting quote indeed! Truly quite fascinating just how much one's perspective can affect one's outcome. I adore your "qoute-y" self and truly appreciate your words. Thanks for the comment and read Orchi! Have a wonderful day!

                          • Distant View

                            A clever write! Some people do dream impossible (or highly improbable) dreams, while others seem to have no real ambition at all. Middle ground is surely best, I would say. I fell short of many of my dreams, but still ended up on middle ground, I would say. Whatever you do, I wish you every success! I certainly enjoyed the poem!

                            • Rocky Lagou

                              Oh thank you so much dear poet! Your words are so genuine and highly appreciated. My goal is to make the reader think and reflect on their own lives, so to see you did that fulfills my soul. Dreaming can be wonderful, it can be a comforter for some. But dreaming without basis is bound to lead to disappointment. Thank you for unraveling this poem and taking the time to leave a comment. Have a wonderful day!

                            • Laura🌻

                              My Dear Rocky,

                              Another great writing from your well inked pen. All I can say (from experience) is pursue whatever dream you have that will make/keep you happy. Don’t be discouraged. Remember that we’re one out of 7.9 million people who want to be on that stage to be ‘noticed and shine’. There’s so much you can do in the arts. Focus and you’ll find your niche. NEVER GIVE UP!😉

                              Laura🌻

                              • Rocky Lagou

                                Hi Laura! It's such a pleasure to see you around! Your words are so kindhearted and true, I will keep my confidence and hope to find my "niche" in life. You speak from experience and your words of finding a place that'll "keep me happy" is definitely wise. I just hope I can find a place that'll sustain that joy. Thank you for the comment, I really appreciate it, have a wonderful day!

                              • sorenbarrett

                                A wonderful poem with great metaphors and images "like the bedsheet that covers the ocean's wishful waves" Uncertainty is the privilege of one that has time.

                                • Rocky Lagou

                                  Hello! Thanks so much for leaving a comment! I wanted to play with the imagery a little in this one and if you notice the two times I mention people's dreams I describe it as a "bedsheet that covers the ocean's wishful waves" and a "baby blue pillow of the sky." Both things that have to do with beds, so it's all tied into that dream analogy. Thanks for that wise remark, about uncertainty, it's true. I'll be looking forward to paving my own path. Have a lovely day!

                                • junia

                                  very relatable (as always)!
                                  we are expected to know what we want to do in our future way too soon. i just spent 2 years after my high school graduation trying to figure that out and even now i’m unsure. beauty lies in the unknown, we have to tell ourselves over and over. and it’s not about what we will get, it’s about what we have right now, the journey not the destination. as virginia woolf wrote in “to the lighthouse”: “The great revelation perhaps never did come. Instead, there were little daily miracles, illuminations, matches struck unexpectedly in the dark; here was one.” this quote always helps me, maybe you’ll find hope in it too

                                  • Rocky Lagou

                                    Wow Junia! Your careful and thoughtful comments that you've left on my works really have lightened my day. Thank you so much for taking the time to go back to these poems and read and reply. I know most don't take it into consideration, and to see you didn't even have to think twice means so much to me. That quote is so powerful, it really is the "journey" you mention that matters, and the "destination" is just the result. Thank you again for your abundant generosity, may you have a wonderful day!

                                    • junia

                                      you’re welcome, Rocky. I really mean all of it!



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