night game

Contrived it may be, but
the image, taken moments ago,
conveys tonight's atmosphere.
That cafe across the street
from my window still beckons,
even when it's long past closed
for the night.

Another Saturday night of a long stream of weekend nights I'm anchored at home with nothing but my music, games, laptop, phone, internet and other technology based accoutrement. I'll be playing a bit more Jeanne d'Arc soon and probably retire by lying in bed in the dark listening to news podcasts, the fan blowing a breeze my way, occasional passing cars outside sending slivers of light gliding across my walls.

Reading my niece's blog updates just minutes ago, I'm inspired by her to exert myself forward (even if inch by inch for the time being) and rarely look back. I remember months ago, a year or so ago, she was in turmoil and I listened to her and gave feedback, encouragement, and constructive critiques, and of course, love, as best I could. Fuel for her. She pushed with great effort to champion her hurdles. Today she shines, and magnificently.

It's ironic that, as she shines now, I'm yet again in shadows and again pushing with great effort myself to feel the sun. I see blue skies ahead and that's what's energizing me. But I also see her surrounded by those blue skies, waving at me to catch up to her again. More fuel.

One can always use more fuel.