Frozen

I have seen a life laid to waste,

in the name of pure stubbornness,

in the absolute definition of denial.

I see my own life.

Caught up on the same rails,

charging full steam ahead,

to a tunnel where no light shines.

The gates of experience fly by.

Still frames of adventures

I have excused myself from

for reasons, for selfishness.

Vanity . . . shame.

The double yellow line,

solid and illuminated,

laughs as I attempt to find the nerve.

To dare cross.

Throwing up walls of resistance

as the hourglass bleeds

grains of sand I can't afford.

I have seen a lifetime

laid to waste,

and in its shadow,

I have seen my own.