Whenever I’m searching for words I reflexively stare out the window.  I let them tumble around a little in my head before I try and put them on paper or a screen.  This means it looks like I daydream way more than I write, but I prefer that to staring blankly at a pen or keyboard.  When I stare out a window it feels like I might be imagining something.  When I stare at a pen or keyboard it feels like writer’s block.  Occasionally when I stare out the window, I see cool things, such as the storm front on the home page. On days when I’m frustrated, staring out the window and daydreaming for real is a lot more appealing than doing my actual work.

Lately it has been windy, and I can stare out my window and see the branches of the trees gently swaying in it.  I call this the Confused Tree State because the tree is constantly trying to run away and play with the wind, but of course it can’t.  The tree is sessile, but it doesn’t understand this.  So, the tree forlornly sways back and forth trying to imitate its friend the wind who can freely move through the leaves and branches.  Eventually the wind moves along, laughing and promising to come back, and heads off to play with the prairie grass.  Luckily for the tree the high plains are populated with millions of gusts of wind, and when one moves on, it is likely to be replaced by another. 

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If you’re looking for something else to read, I added my first poem today. Check out Planted.