what will you do when
the actor is gone?

how will you smile when
the clown stops dead?

who will you be when
the firebrand cools down?

where is the passion when
the artist shuts off?

how will you dance when
there’s no pulse in the music?

what do you celebrate when
the party is finally over?

we’ve covered our shame
with blankets of expectation.

a satchel of sadness
slung over hunched back
slogging on home

snivel nose running
wet sleeve to wipe off
misery and snot

breadth of step-back
self-inquisitive look at
sorrow and self

wake up shining
and do it all over
depression kicks in

Election drumbeat…
uncertainty and fear reign
Where is Moscow Mitch?

help wanted searching
turns out you have to apply
we can’t just take them