Behind the Poem
Sometimes, I have moments in the day, mostly in the latter part, when I find myself standing with a group of people listening to a conversation I couldn’t care less about. It all just seems too superficial, speaking of topics I had closed the book on years ago. In my disinterest, my mind starts to drift off, longing for a future I could be working towards. However, at times, I feel guilty for my inattentiveness. Sometimes, I worry my sense of resolution on a subject hinders my ability to grow. I am not perfect, but I am becoming more mindful when listening.
People talk, but I don’t,
It’s not like I listen, though.
My mind just starts to float,
As if I’m watching this show.
And I’ve turned off the screen.
It’s surface-level content,
When I like what’s deep.
More like an attention-grabbing contest,
I’ll stick to my daydream.
Or have I become arrogant?
Thinking, “I already know this,”
As I smile and nod.
Until someone asks a question,
Then I’m caught off guard.
Wishing I could just drift away…
- Avais Gilani
