Prufrock

Prufrock

While pondering Prufrock and his unanswered "overwhelming question"
I consider my world of insecurities,
The fourth dimension,
The meaning of life, of afterlife, how high the sky, how deep the sea.
A lot of questions; but, most of all, Is that woman looking at me?
And if so, why? Is it admiration? Perhaps my fly is undone.
Is she smiling or snickering? Are my clothes too tight? I've just begun.

I like to think that I'm individualistic, independant;
Not a slave to the crowd. My clothes suit me - rather vintage, resplendant.
Or, am I a joke?
Is my style inappropriate, my hair too long?
The words float in space and in my head I hear the music to a song.
I'll admit some insecurity; a lot of insecurity.
More learning, more questions. I like to think of that as maturity.

I openly seek and appreciate the approval of my peers.
I know that contradicts;
But that's the way I've become throughout the years.
It is impossible to say just what I mean!
It is the sum of who I am, what I've done and where I've been.
I've had much more than my share of restless nights in one-night cheap hotels.
Unlike Eliot, I consider myself more of an infidel.

Yes, I have heard the mermaids singing
And no, they do not sing to me.
I have become the watcher, putting in my time, dreaming of the sea.
Infinite waves at times lapping at the beach or crashing on the shore.
Sometimes I think that life should have more meaning, that I could be much more.
I have accomplished what I could - "cat will mew, and dog will have his day."(1)
As always, the beautiful women smile and chatter and walk away.

(1)[1600-1 Shakespeare Hamlet v. i. 286]

Phrases in italics are quoted from The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S.Eliot, one of my favorite poems. What I like most are the daily observances, recollections, distractions, insecurities and the questions.