Overhead Storage Compartment
A poem from my book and some words about "longing".
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This week, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on someone in my life who’s come and gone.
I was twenty years old when she taught me how to shoulder the feeling of longing; a tool that would prove to be useful when I’ve been forced to confront life’s heartaches, such as death, grief, depression, etc.
But what does it mean to long?
It’s kind of like its younger brother, “nostalgia”.
nostalgia (n). - “a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past”
Google tells me that the word “longing” is “an intense desire to do or have something”.
But there’s a myriad of other words that can accompany that feeling, such as pain, happiness, love, and resentment — to name a few.
Thus, “longing” is a complex emotion that is fundamentally multifaceted. It’s only when we peel back the layers of the surface-level emotions do we end up at the same place; the same word.
The woman who inspired the story I’m writing showed me what it means to truly long for someone—to reach for something that’s no longer there. I’m hoping to publish that piece here eventually.
For now, here is a poem I wrote entitled “Overhead Storage Compartment” featured on pg. 33 of my book, Hollow Trophies for Howling Idiots. The words are accompanied by an illustration Willow drew several months ago.
Overhead Storage Compartment
I hope whatever is left of the morning will find its way back to you between your skin and the film of sweat it’s accrued in the night beside the stench of your lion’s breath under your toes as they acquaint themselves with the ceramic tiles in your room and inside the overhead storage compartment above your seat I hope whatever is left of your peanuts will remain in the bag during takeoff as your passenger plane ascends into an afternoon cumulus
I’m Scott; an author and musician living in South Florida. I write poetry, short fiction, and personal essays. If you enjoyed reading this poem, please consider sharing it and subscribing to my page.