A dusty bell
heard from some
far off place 
rings in hushed
dull tones barely 
audible but steady 
I’m still here
a steady ache 
long ago gotten 
and used to
that now’s become 
just a part 
of everyday life 

I don’t 
expect nor
hope for 
there to 
ever be 
for tagging 
along behind 
like some 
baby brother 
wanting to 
join the 
big boys 
comes letdown 
kicking stones 
feigning naivety 

Fruits of my
very own labor 
come to bear
succulent and savory 
the aromatic air
of peace and 
quiet and care
room by room 
I cautiously dare 
to sweep 
and mop unaware 

Walls nah
boundaries pish 
nope I’ve 
built a
fortress complete
with moat
and ramparts 
knock all 
you want 
bring your 
battering ram
lay siege 
but bruh
you ain’t 
getting in
not by
the hair 
of yo
chinny chinchin 

Some seek
others gawk
some peek
and a
few look
I glance 
and dance 
around it
all having 
been myself 
a victim 
of hit
and run