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Stopped Up

stopped up 
knotted
but not afraid
look where I’ve landed
in this short
charade
sidesteps 
widesteps
and 
serenades
I’ve been
depending upon
promises
that were
never made
moving up
slowing down
tired of wearing
this heavy
crown
what’s that you’re
saying
is that a 
question
or a 
lifeless sound
limp
lost and 
longing
for a way
to be seen
wondering if this
time around
has meant
much of
anything
wondering how I
got here
have forgotten
the road
lost the 
boyancy
neath this 
heavy load
wanting 
what was never
wanted of me
giving
what was never
given to 
me
the answer’s 
round the 
corner
but I couldn’t 
see
street signs
were uprooted
by a future
that wouldn’t
be
replaced
by strokes
of paint by number
dreams
hewn in the
quarry
of monotone
reality.

Copyright © Joseph Adler




Book: Reflection on the Important Things