that's really why they call it the blues

Buk said that enduring
is only meaningful
if you come out with
something
at the other end,
and that enduring
simply to endure
is the unfortunate plight
of millions;

and now we stand at that
sober grey gate,
and stare at lives
wasted,
empty --
of no consequence at all:

we cast no shadows,
with our pale hearts
trickling sickened blood,
pushing us out the door,
down the street,
for one last lunge
at meaning.



May 16, 2010. (Bukowski reference: "her only son" from The Night Torn Mad With Footsteps, 2001.)

Copyright © 2010, Ricky A. Pursley. All rights reserved.