MAYBE ANOTHER DAY
As I draw close to the page once again
And the mind mounts the staircase
The fingers create the words
The critics-helmet goes on
The sifting of thoughts by the same maker of thoughts
The stops and starts – reflecting – on reflection
Standards vary – jury’s out – mini-decisions are made
And a manuscript – shuttles out from the printing machine
Out of the mind onto the white
A poem – not a thing of beauty or a joy forever
But a poem just the same – stirs you – to take the time
Or helps you – close your mind
What will it be today? Will you rise to the challenge?
Or has all that food made you sleepy?
Put the poem away – and live to read another day
