Why oh why 
when you buy
something that’s needed
like a remedy 
once it’s gotten 
the pain’s forgotten 

I have and
have also seen 
some get into 
relationships in order
to get out
of others or
away from others 
or even themselves 
instead perhaps like 
a boxer who 
finds himself on 
life’s ropes get
your feet under 
you and wait
for the bell 
before you come 
back out punching 

If how I
feel at this 
moment it’d be 
a deep sigh 
but not contempt
au contraire it
would be content
a summer swing
a winter snow 
a drowsy humid 
afternoon rain snooze 

Dark wet night 
rain stopped before 
and water kicks 
up under tires
and foot and 
fog weaves itself 
like balloons caught 
on tree limbs 
going this way 
and then that
with the wind 
and street lights 
and store signs 
bleed into watercolor 

The happiest 
of those 
shine brighter 
in darkness 
drawing those 
seeking joy
close but 
misery keeps 
the saddest 
at bay 
and away 
perhaps for 
another day