Cost Of Living

The thick air stops motion.
Stillness arrives beginning its
patient choke on living;
painstakingly slow, it may last for
days or decades.

There is no easy calculus
for measuring not living;
Just an internal drum beat that slows slightly,
slightly slowing, immeasurably retarding.

That beat barely rattles the air.
And in this faintly trembling pocket of oxygen
lies life.
Deciding to desire life, occasionally
is an intentional act for survival;

a negotiation between
good and better, bad and terrible.
Repeal previous agendas.
Move anew now.

.

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- artwork by Otto Nebel - 
- mailed to North Dakota -