Straddle

"I might steal your diamonds but I'll bring you back some gold." - Gregg Allman

With one foot in hell.

The other in Plato's plain.

One hundred and eighty degrees.

This thing called life.

Mathematical and melancholy.

Clawing at us.

Tearing at us.

Owning us.

Asphalt versus no-fault.

Coming to a screeching halt.

A concept or a calamity?

Am I alive or dancing in perpetuity?

What is reality?

Where does it end and dreams begin?

You know the music but forgot the steps.

Tormented with tantrums.

Tangoing with truth.

You can hear the violins.

Like Stradavarius dragging his bow.

Across the strings and over the river.

Universal and perfect.

An ideal or a formula?

Cloaked in an argument.

A transcending tree of truth.

Is it alive or dead?

Look at its branches.

Eat of its fruit.

Certainty is an abstraction.

A sanctifying distraction.

Make up your mind.

Choose a side.

Drop your quarter in the jukebox.

Wait for the music.

Start dancing a soulful ...

... straddle ...

Author's Note

“To be a philosopher is not merely to have subtle thoughts, nor even to found a school, but so to love wisdom as to live according to its dictates, a life of simplicity, independence, magnanimity and trust.” - Thoreau

Reviews

[barleygirl]

One of your more brilliant writes. The thing that makes this balanced is that you have just the right amount of questioning & far more answering. Your imagery is off-the-charts original & stunning, even a little more than usual. I've been in love with Gregg Allman (RIP) & his music all my life, so my heart is already swelled up as I begin reading this. Some philosophers have cliché observations, even if they manage to pen them in original ways. In your case, it's the way you think that far outshines your superb word crafting (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Pete]

things we all dance with i think. my goodness sweet Margie. thank you ... :)

[.]

This brought me back to my philosophy class. I really loved the line
The first line and imagery was beautiful and different

[Pete]

thanks lamour. i hope you're always on the "right" side ...

[andrew mitchell]

another fine piece pete from the master of classic lines. What a gem! Soon you will turn lines into gold! In awe of your work! :(

[Pete]

thanks andrew. hope i don't need arthritis cream after this disco ...

[andrew mitchell]

Only if you feel Saturday Night Fever coming on!

[Pete]

lol. trust me, i'm no john travolta ...

[Kelly Scheppers]

I love the way you write, Pete. You have a definitive way of delivering a line. The reference to Stradavarius dragging his bow was magnificent. Much applause!!

[Pete]

wow. thanks Kelly. your presence and encouragement is pretty special. :)