SPIRITED EXPERIENCE

Is your spirit free asked the mountain

as I ran across a plateau by its rocky side

with no sound other than my thudding feet

drowning the concern in my heart and brow

Can you act randomly, the ocean asked

as I swam between its mighty waves

choosing not to float but instead to fight

the tide that swallowed my hands and feet

Will you follow your heart a rain cloud asked

swelling with pride as it besieged the sun

and blocked its light temporarily

with its shadow and swirling mist

Are your thoughts shackled the eagle asked

as I flew on wings of conditioned imagination

and watched others hovering below

floating cautiously above society's cushion

Unsettled and rattled by the truth elusive

And wondering whether to crawl or climb,

or stare at the wall of  growing doubt

I kissed the orange glow of humanity instead

I chose to lick the last drops of chocolate

and stick a finger into sweetened condensed milk

and let the questions not be bothersome

as I schooled in the classroom of experience