Stole

Material witness
Fiddled his fitness.
Finding a purpose,
Tried to usurp us.

​They come and they go,
Like shadows in snow.
Dance in the daylight.
Tangle in moonlight.

I took what was given:
A penchant for living;
A ladder for loving;
A letter worth earning.

I once gave them every
Thing that was heavy.
Could help us with lifting
Through sandboxes sifting.

This playground alone.
Past supper I roam,
Downtown from my home,
To hear streetlights buzzing.

Fog arms bent on rusting.
My conscience is crushing.
Indifference disgusting.
A neighborhood hushing.

I’ll be a good boy.
Return all your toys.
Lay low in my sleep.
This soul I will keep.

11/8/21