slow death

Within these walls
behind the glass
like an exhibit
my fate's been cast

I ponder wind
and sun, and sky
I view the leaves
drift indolently by

I'm caged and bored
I long to be
outside this place
reckless and free

But here I sit
squandering time
it flashes by
not worth one dime

Present is sacrificed
like a pagan goat
to the gods of Wealth
just to remain afloat

Better to spend minutes I have
with friends, progeny, or alone
than waste it here in this cave
laboring for the errant bone

A farce of circumstance I am
my nose enslaved to the wheel of rock
chained and rowing against the flow
pushing uphill that granite block

Daily I struggle to remember
my faith--Karma will prevail
have I been deserving? and if not
what tortures will my failures entail?

Perhaps it is as a friend did tell
the greatest of all human woe
saved and stored, kept in stock
presented only to the strongest soul

Like the corporeal elements of me
any thing that doesn't cause my demise
is added to the camel's back
merely strengthens me, no matter size.