It so happens that I am sick of being a man.
Of rising at the same time, showering
In the same way, of living life
Like there is a tomorrow.
It is that I’m tired of having the same route
Into town, of passing the same hobo asking
For the same quarter to buy the same
Cheap beer sold down at City Beverage.
The same conversations are aging me,
Delving into the deep well
To procure stock answers I’m giving
Over, and over, and over again.
I’d like to see my day progress in reverse.
I want to fully recognize the face
I see, and think I know, but don’t;
For my faceless acquaintances to be
Fleshed out, and living.
I’d like to dive into the dumpster,
Mining for veins of fruit juice,
Unaware of a class in the morning
Or an assignment skipped.
Like those days when you wake up,
The sun is bright, you’re well rested,
And you look over to the clock and decide
“Today is mine.”
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Words and Images is USM’s annual literary collection of prose, poetry, and artwork from local artists and students. Submissions wanted!
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Words and Images (143 Woodbury Campus Center)
University of Southern Maine
P.O. Box 9300
Portland, ME, 04101