Some kick and hollar
And drop their suffering
Like a silver dollar
into a Reno slot machine.

Some beg and borrow
Against the day's darkening,
Gather up their sorrow
To blanket the evening.

Some bruise and batter
When their legs start stiffening,
Retreat from matters
Of weight and gravity.

Some flower and burst
In time with the ripening,
Like a backyard sparkler
In ashes and smoldering.

©2005