Down But Not Out

that's right, Travis,
you coiled, oiled collection
of tendons, muscle and sinew:
"I'm talkin' to you":
yeah, that's right, ace,
although it's got little to do
with your razor-sharp face;
it has to do with you lookin'
down at me, while I struggle,
down here so close to the pavement,
looking for work,
and wondering where my life went
wrong, and how long
I will have the world's boot
on my neck, as I am already
on my knees;
so back off, punk,
I don't need your junk,
I've got me to please.



January 6, 2009. From the forthcoming collection, Spoken Rage.

Copyright © 2009, Ricky A. Pursley. All rights reserved.