now that I've spent all my pain and anger


now that I've exhausted all grace


run out of all luck


and bug-eyed see my time just about up


what changes to make

what healing to try

if all I've done has sealed me in this tomb of self

and left me watching the way ahead


open like a highway before an amputee


what then with so little life left in this sojourn

mess made damage done pay fully paid

and lesson learned to no grief


what funeral fire of soul ahead

to lift that dependable old standby the phoenix....





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