He breathed deeply and repeatedly to no
avail as the air tried was dry and pale.
The masseur buried labor through muscle
and skin searching in vain for the life force
within. The loss of energy was profound
from everywhere and all around. Music
and movement cried and pried but both
fire and drive seemed to have died. Outside–
Out playing with stamina and zeal tripped
and fell on a nutritious meal. Where there
was color now there was shade, and there
in the shadows doubt preyed.
Augustus / Folsom, LA / November 2016