Poets logo

So Far, So Good

Lookin' sharp, kid!

By Thomas OwensPublished 6 years ago 1 min read
Top Story - September 2018
Like

One time, I was told to line up.

Our ties were removed by absent hands

with long, bored fingers

and inspected...

then, we washed dirty steel liars

as November Christmas parties dwelled,

with dutiful service and cheer expected,

and old doomed lipstick smears,

The kind that never scrub out.

and plates and bowls and cups falling.

And slow rolling firefly lights - 70s disco too,

sad and unfulfilled, jolly in defiance

made the task a little difficult,

and short notice didn’t help.

I was charged by questions from idle minds,

i was unable to do the simplest thing,

like open a safe,

like answer a dull enquiry,

like wash dishes sufficiently,

like read a book on the bus,

like rest my feet,

like roll a cigarette,

like pour a pint,

like smile, and really mean it.

One time, I looked up to the auburn and distant sky,

and saw yea-saying grins with simple lies,

and the voice of God in their troubles,

and Lethe stillness with zero hour contracts,

waving with a happy grin,

with a gun-finger,

pointing straight at me,

as they asked:

“Sorry to be a pain, but are you free?”

Apparently, I could turn them down.

Yeah, sure...

Good luck with that.

sad poetry
Like

About the Creator

Thomas Owens

English Literature and Journalism degree; Creative Writing MA; juggling two very different novels and much more.

"Let me live, love, and say it well in good sentences."

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.