But/If

so much hinges
on “if”
and/or “but”
perhaps “maybe”

mention “no”
and the proposition
collapses into a
heap of best
intentions denied

“here” is not “there”
“where” cannot be “”when”
“then” is not
“now” and
never could be “ever”

“maybe” is where
I’ll be found
after the proud
get their round

nothing more
is due
but if you
have to ask
to get a clue
you’ll never know
“why”

It's Monday Again

it’s Monday again
arriving in time
and on track

another one dealt
from the bottom
of the pack

slow to rise
move into the
gloom resigned to

the task under
command over what
lies beyond control

minding my own
ignoring chaos and
rancor searing the

air in mortal
combat over details
missed deadlines passed

nothing in place
all angling to
auger the hour

to scrap tossed
in the bin
just passed as

I shuffle toward
the volumptuous sunset
into another tomorrow