what does not

you say,

and i nod grimly,

spirit, soul

you scoff since you are a non believer

as if that changes reality,

which both you

and i agree exist in the mind, even if reality

exist it stays neutral.

not angry, not grateful,

that gray broad horizon that stretches forth

like the sky – seemingly infinite

at times perplexing

for much of life is nuances, not what is cookie cutter

like what mom likes because

it is easy to tend to kids who nod

grimly – mom is always right.

and that is when the grim loses flavor,

when newbies turn to darkish green,

then sprout their own flowers, fruits

not to be taken for lame ducks squabbling

about the weather, it is always the weather

these days. everything else is radioactive.

cool flavor, like emotions suppressed,

like souls locked up, then the slight shift in the wind,

the cracks appear.

you did not want to hear that did you?

no, the eternal blue sky

forever welcoming: just like what mom used to say

and even moms go.

it’s just us now, no one else,

that’s where the tension is,

we’re looking for answers, there is none,

the undying

comes up: it’s what has been blocked up,

shut off, stifled.

because the playing field was never level,

it’s always been biased with one winner,

guess who sits at the summit?

religion is damned, the cause of wars

you say, take it away and then what? peace?

it’s naive, simplistic, nonsensical

for again your shadow cast itself large

in a valley of light, your prostrate body

an act of humility – you know you look better this way.

wars will go on … … let’s attack science and myth next,

another scapegoat but never the shadow

alive in the valley, reflecting your breath!

judge not, you say – i am no god

and plead to a new set of worshippers

looking for an anchor: i am no god.

it works without impediments to stand in the way,

i suppose that makes you all powerful since

that is what it means:

i like it, i truly do.

a stone falls, i never heard the sound of something hitting ground

when like was a float.

a float – an undying spirit bargains not with

when gold and silver have lost their luster.

what else is there to trade?

to bargain when float is gone, a verdict

and the pages of life shifted through

that moment was eternal.