The next best thing

 

The next best thing

 

Dark shadows hug the ceiling

Like so many helium balloons

Carelessly released by a child

Reaching for the next best thing

 

Eventually they will fall weary

Cascading in monochrome misery

Suffocating my empty world

In languishing latex and rubber

 

And I sit on the cold floor waiting

Staring above at my timely demise

Finally coming to the realization

I am not the next best thing

Reviews

[Madalyn Beck]

This is a bit sad and that last line pulled at me. How can we compare ourselves to everyone else? Next best thing? How about the best you, you can be? Picture all those balloons up there. They may share similar qualities like color and size, but no matter what, they are all unique.

You, my dear, Jack, are unique. You are the best you there can be. As far as the next best thing? I don't know who you could follow, because all I see is Jack.
xoxo :)

[Jack...]

Madalyn, how very kind of you. Your review has touched my heart today. Thank you for always bringing a smile to my face.

[Madalyn Beck]

Always a pleasure, Jack! :)

[Cryingkate]

Ok call me bad but it fits....
I can't help but see an image of a cavity search by the line"In languishing latex and rubber"
Maybe I've been reading too many alternative stories.

But think about it.... This whole poem sure sounds like a inner cavity search to me.:-)
A Spiritual inner search

[Jack...]

Not sure that's what I had in mind when I wrote it but...okay, if you say so. :) Thanks so very much my friend.

[Cryingkate]

You were suppose to laugh :-) Keep in mind I'm not awake yet...

[Jack...]

Oh I was laughing and cringing at the thought at the same time.

[Cryingkate]

I really think this means I need to stay away from those Conspiracy stories....

[Jack...]

I don't know...maybe...cavity searching for breakfast...yes maybe you should. :)

[Cryingkate]

I can't get to the store or I'd buy a Turkey and cleanse my soul.....

[Cryingkate]

Yuck I wish I never said anything.. LOL Can we forget I ever said anything?

[Jack...]

Too late...I already locked it away in the old memories bank.

[Cryingkate]

I apologize for corrupting this page.. Forgive the old witch :-)

[Jack...]

It was all in fun and I am still smiling...so no apology needed.

[Cryingkate]

:-) Hey Jack,it's your turn to make coffee..House rules : Never allow the cof pot to be empty :-)

[Jack...]

Honey, I have made 3 pots this morning already, I think it is someone else's turn.

[Cassie]

and you are the best thing on WC. Hope you know that.

[Jack...]

Cassie, there is always a new and improved around the next corner. Thank you so much for your kindness.

[Lyn Anderson]

A little dark and depressing, but well done.

[Linda alexander]

Suffocating my empty world
In languishing latex and rubber

Great write, but quite intrigue, high hopes and dreams not staying for ever, or perception of others fate making someone weary, or doing the best and happy, but realizes it can change, very thought provoking, may be one should have extra shadows or balloons, few comes down, send some more, can save some time before joker can laugh with his sarcasm, enjoyed

[Jack...]

Thanks so very much Linda. Just flushing a few feelings today.

[Linda alexander]

You welcome, take care

[B-poet]

A gripping last stanza. Very well written, authentic & genuinely profound. Great work Jack. An intriguing read. :)

[Jack...]

Thank you so very much. I appreciate you stopping by and reading my little downer of a poem. Sometimes it just feels this way...well...often it does.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, this is very dark...not much hope in this...different from most of your positive writes...this speaker has the sylvia plath, john berryman syndrome..realizations that things won't get better and that those children will soon run and hide.

[Jack...]

Thanks my friend...they do get dark from time to time.

[A. Amos]

Jack this one is bit different and I guess you might suffering from mood swing, let me assure you my friend you are the next big thing at least in the world of writing, so keep doing what you do the best and cheer up bro.

[Jack...]

Thanks so much my friend...just one of those days.

[A. Amos]

You're most welcome and I can understand, that is why it's called life...be strong my friend

[Zahra]

Very masterfully written. Short and really strong. Another piece that shows your gift of uniqueness. Wish you always the best.

[Jack...]

Thank you so much my friend. And wish the same for you always.

[Marie]

No, you shouldn't think of yourself as the next best thing, but the BEST thing...

[Jack...]

Thanks so much Marie. Not sure I can do that though.