Digital Stream
I write this
digitally
so I can read
what I write
so I remember
what I wrote
when I read
what I wrote
in the morning
I walk slowly
cautiously
because my foot hurts
because I'm not so sure
about that step
about that crack
in the sidewalk
or if my next
step will be
a footfall or
freefall
Sometimes
I say "reach"
and I don't
"move"
and I can't
"think"
and
nothing
happens
Words taste
like styrofoam
pens feel
like pipe cleaners
a steering wheel
like a gyroscope
I'm a park monument
listing slightly
to the left
At home
a couch is a bed
a bed is a slab
a book
is a sleeping pill
In public
a crowd feels
like a mob
an avalanche
of voices
a big bowl
of eyeballs
watching
I do
what I do
because I
still can
because it
feels right
because it
must be done
because it fits
because I can't
hold on
or it's time
to let go
I need
to move
I know
I need a foam suit
airbags
to beep beep beep
when I back up
Still
mostly
I'm fine
free lucky spoiled
and rich!
Mike McGowan
© 2009