Following

Following the tumor blooms
that muted my throat and gut,
I duct taped my mind
to the wordless, I put my head down 
charging at daggers, and
thanks to pain bullets and cancer bombs
my thoughts are catching a little headwind.

I'm looking at a sea otter floating on its back
agilely playing with stones,
it’s definitely working the crowd.
I'm looking at a lion staring into a camera,
under its heavy paw a gazelle is also staring into a lens;
are they waiting for applause?
I'm looking through a shop window 
at televisions that are 
revealing all this, plus my gazing reflection.

We can all do better, more rehearsals	
will eventually take our perfect picture,
meanwhile it’s important to look good
as time stops, then continues to drain away
in its usual hazardous way.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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De Beaulieu Avatar
August 26, 2019 at 1:36 PM
Hello Eric Ashford, when you look good, you will feel good. Haave a nice day my froend.
De Beaulieu Avatar
August 27, 2019 at 8:34 AM
Hello Eric, I am pleased that you are not scaring little girls.I am pleased to hear that you are working on good things. have a nice day my friend.
Ashford Avatar
August 26, 2019 at 4:13 PM
Darlene, too true darlene, I am working on the looking good thing, at least I'm not scaring little girls in Walmart anymore! Thanks for the read.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
August 21, 2019 at 9:48 AM
Speechless. A fave. This is so good, evocative and deep. xomo!
Ashford Avatar
August 21, 2019 at 10:10 AM
Thanks Maureen, always good to find your kind comments.
Michael Avatar
August 21, 2019 at 7:58 AM
Important to look good...it's survival man!...Nice write...
Ashford Avatar
August 21, 2019 at 8:51 AM
Cheers Arturo, always appreciate your feedback.
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