---

 

This writing was accepted for publication in the 108 page perfect-bound ISSN# / ISBN# issue/book “Three Things” Down in the Dirt, v186 (the August 2021 Issue) Order the paperback book:

Order this writing that appears in the one-of-a-kind anthology Lockdown’s Over the Down in the Dirt May-August 2021 issues collection book		get the 420 page May-August 2021 Down in the Dirt 6" x 9" ISBN# perfect-bound paperback book:

This Time

Jason Ryberg

the eye of Sauron is definitely upon you,
or whatever you want to call that chilling /
crippling / just-go-limp-if-you-know-what’s-good-
for-you feeling like a freeze ray or klieg light
suddenly beaming at you, prison break style,
from the dark heart of that doom-clouded
set of coordinates (just over your shoulder
and normally out of your sphere of perception
and influence); that place from where all
vaguely foreboding phone calls and
ominously certified letters seem to issue forth.
Well, at least somebody noticed your frantic,
little organ-grinder monkey antics, even if it
means your cover has been effectively blown.
Ask any sullen, scowling, chronically texting
teenager: sometimes, merely being acknowledged
by someone (anyone) is validation enough.
Other times, best to stay incognito and off the grid:
an unlisted phone number, maybe,
and a forwarding address in someone else’s name,
a cash only policy and nothing anyone
would even think about putting a lien on.
Unfortunately, the tectonic plates of reality
seem to move with a life of their own
(and with no applicable quality even close
to resembling concern for your dumb ass):
one minute it’s all champagne and chicken wings,
the next you’re out the backdoor
with a suitcase in the middle of the night
and no looking back, the polaroid snapshot
taped on the refrigerator door (you and some girl
from some long ago and presumably better time)
the only proof you were ever here.

Copyright of written pieces remain with the author, who has allowed it to be shown through Scars Publications and Design.Web site © Scars Publications and Design. All rights reserved. No material may be reprinted without express permission from the author.

Problems with this page? Then deal with it...