Behind Me Sits My Destiny

I look behind me-
A dark bus.
The glow of my lamp reaches the single seat behind me.
My heart melts.
All the turmoil and stresses I think about just vanish-
Looking so helpless, yet powerful.
Intimidating, yet soothing.
How is it that the simple presence of another being can have this effect?

Out the window, darkness ever stretching.
Unending.
But my single light breaks the looming evil-
And in the glow is heralded
Not my savior of hero,
But the source of my strength and courage.
Her smile always pleasant
Peaceful
Unfearing
Brave, but not threatening.
Why does the light shine on me, a sight causing sore eyes?
Why not on the object of beauty, to refresh weary eyes?
Though I yearn to call you mine,
I know you are out of reach-
Forever.

Life,
Being as a vapor already half-wasted,
Would not be long enough to feel your awesome presence
Till satisfaction is reached.
An addiction that I must break from is your presence.
I remain distant,
Observing.
Will the time ever be ripe?
Can it ever be ripe?
Teach me, oh wielder of knowledge.

-Keith Smithson-

Author's Notes:  Originally just a prose passage I wrote while going down to Panama City on last years' band trip, I decided that it belonged in a more poetic style.  Voila!  Anyways, there obviously was an object to the poem- but she will remain anonymous just because.  Even though I'm not much of a fan of free verse poems, this is still one of my favorites.