there's no steal cage
no grapple busted sweat stained mats
no square circle room strung with boxing gloves
out by the gate...no keeper
sweeping your feet out
with a learned staff
there's just paper and pens
forms with forgotten numbers
these things do snap
the tired monk from his slumber
"forms with forgotten numbers" sounds just a bit like my tax return. Another great write!
ReplyDeletei was thinking tax return, also, ollie, but knowing you, this is something more, even if you didn't initially recognize it. larger forms of organization speak through you, i think.)
ReplyDeletexo
erin
oh...nothing as simple as taxes...a human behaviour form?
ReplyDeleteOld Ollie,
ReplyDeleteThis is still part of the season of hibernation, not only for the animal world, but the human world as well. Those who like the tired monk, are very deep thinkers, require perhaps just a little longer to enjoy those contemplative moments.....
A delightful read...
Eileen
Interesting. I love how you approached this from the negative (mathematically) end. I often wish I had a punching bag hanging somewhere handy.
ReplyDeleteAwesome read, made me think of all the times I've been pulled awake by various forms...
ReplyDeleteA good teacher has to be a master. I'm learning to love the things that snap me from my slumber.
ReplyDeleteGood one, Ollie!
ReplyDeleteWhat a taxing situation.
ReplyDeleteI liked the way the mood and pace of this changed in the last verse.
ReplyDeleteas always, very suggestive...leaving the reader to fill out the absences with his own imagination.subtle and strong.
ReplyDeleteyou have set writers on the perfect stage,
ReplyDeletevivid imagery.
powerful words.
Funny how some mundane things just snaps you out of your sleep ~
ReplyDeleteAnd it is dust bunnies, rhymes, domesticity and creative whines that roust me in the wee hours.
ReplyDelete