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A Chip Off the Old Bukowski Block

A Chip Off the Old Bukowski Block  ©

i sit here on the toilet
looking at the cane by my side
when did this happen?

its pronged feet could, at any moment,
scamper into a tidal pool, so much does it
remind me of a robotic crab

my mornings now consist of pills, shuffling
to the next room to pour cereal
then work up a **** before I can
leave the house
When did this happen?

bodily functions take priority as
I can no longer trust this body not
to embarrass me in public
when did this happen?

my knees are shot to hell
my bowels rumble and twist
my arthritis tears at me with sharp little teeth
my vision is perfect, cataracts 
blasted away by another robot
when did this happen?

the other day my mind went on a holiday
leaving me behind, confused and blank,
 frightened
is this a harbinger of what’s to come
when did this happen?

Copyright © | Year Posted 2016




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Date: 5/19/2025 11:34:00 AM
Hey, I'm peekin' over the fence at 80 asking the same questions...WHEN....WHERE,..WHAT
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Trisha Sugarek
Date: 5/20/2025 7:59:00 AM
I hear you, John. Luckily for me, my brain is still sharp enough to write but I can't remember details of yesterday. Very frustrating but no one will avoid it!
Date: 9/10/2016 8:49:00 AM
Scary I know! I am 70. I feel young in my thoughts most of the time, but often an alien in a strange failing body I do not recognize. My mother died of Alzheimer's disease. Great, honest writing! Hang in there kiddo, and show the kids what real strength is--like Cyrano, with sword in hand! Blessings I pray you.
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Date: 7/12/2016 9:46:00 AM
Not bad bukowski, ...well done ...ian
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Trisha Sugarek
Date: 7/12/2016 11:05:00 AM
Thanks, Ian. I'm not even in the same room as 'Hank' but he does inspire me....not even the same planet!

Book: Radiant Verses: A Journey Through Inspiring Poetry