oh today

Oh today was a waste.
Mistake upon mistake, and
can't I this once have that do-over?
Oh today mocks me, halfway through
a bad joke--realize
cold and suddenly
the punch line will make you cringe.
Oh today smells offensive
a sullen dirty wind not cold enough
for clean or the season.
Oh today was a trip
(insidious sidewalk crack--stubbed toe).
Paralytic gloom and forty-watt bulbs
make for an indigestible supper.
Anticipated expiration
must needs hurry along, hurry along,
before I run out of reasons.
(Oh today
You did have a chance, I think. Around 6.55.
That was when I woke up.)
Even so midnight
hurry along.


12.9.2008: Sometimes the only optimism is the change of the calendar.