Other than that, it was a quiet day at home alone.

Other than that, it was a quiet day at home alone.

I carry it with me

More than a passenger

A vicious predator

Pestering

Posturing

Delivering a verdict

An indictment

A running commentary

Continually sniping

Carpng

Griping and complaining

Spoiling the day

Even as it stretches out,

Wide and bright.

You tried

But did you really?

You are a good guy

Whatever that means

Swept up in circumstance.

The wind is biting

Sand covers the footpath

It should be a good moment

A chance for reflection.

Virgin footprints

Rebirth brings renewal

The voice

Worries you

It calls for caution

A low-flying shark attack

A swimmer swept out to sea

Would you go in to save him

Is that what heroes are

Is that what you are?

Just thinking about it

Doesn't make it happen

But I watch him for a while

The guy

In the wetsuit

A risk taker.

I’m not the swimmer

I once was.

Excuses excuses

Is just another one

Pass me the bucket.

I’ve burned my bridges

Watch me drown

I don’t need your pity

To be as self-absorbed

As the next guy

Which is no compliment

Believe me.

I’m an expert in self-flagellation

The vacant stare

The unconscious process

Working the problem

One at a time

A poet

Of self-expression

And I know how that one goes.