Written upon finding my phone in a backpack pocket, smeared with chocolate that was forgotten in a deep dark corner; thereupon reflecting on my life, the lack of margin therein and the “if only’s” of life.
And were the hours in a day
Twenty-five, not twenty-four
And in the folds of my wallet
Hidden only a dollar more
Were the workings of this intellect
Only a faster, sharper power
Then oh world! then would I rise!
Rise to soar, to conquer, to — !
But no, no, this life has limits
And lips that so many times
Say yes; while the hidden “no”
Breaks the dollar to be less than dimes.
The hour fails; the sharpest brain changes not
Without the training of the mind;
And the innocent phone still lies forgotten
Among the fruits of spaghetti brain,
covered in chocolate.