Dog Chases Tail
Poem placed first in the contest Pick-A-Title, Vol 54 by Edward Ibeh.
Contest judged on September 5th, 2025 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Like Pooh and Piglet tracing tracks in snow
thinking they were following Woozle.
You chase your own footsteps, mistaking them for mine,
Running in circles on a phantom pursuit,
Like setting a snare for shadows in the night.
Now my twenty years are crowned with success and recognition,
After years of losing promotion to the unworthy,
Not for lack of effort or devotion to my work,
But because your tongue spread slanders to pull me down.
You crave all ears to believe you more deserving of my glory,
Yet each backbite only deepens the grave of your favours.
Your slanders strengthen the faith that God has in me—
The more you speak ill, the clearer I prove you false.
You tried to burn the ladder of my success, not knowing I rose by elevator.
You were drunk with bitterness as I embraced triumph,
And swept away when my planted seed blossomed.
Now I stand a beast, a giant, a titan—beyond the reach of your withered hands.
You sail a sinking ship without a lifeboat,
Your chase spins you round till you stagger and fall.
Biting the air, you only wound yourself—
A dog chasing tail, never finding the prize.
Copyright © Maclawrence Famuyiwa | Year Posted 2025
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