Book Title: Custom Made
© 2000 by Fern Gordon
There was a perfect square
A lovely square, new formed,
Looking for its place.
But, all the holes were round.
Scraping and squeezing, nudging and pinching,
Black and blue, chaffed and sore.
How could this square exist?
This question posed, though never
stated: Which could stand the strain
the most?
The square got blunt around the edges,
Chipped and frayed this once smooth mold.
And, after much time, much pushing,
much shoving, times of grim determined woe,
The mold that once was firm, unyielding
Eased and gave and stretched its space.
The circle no more a rigid hole
Allowed that formerly perfect shape,
Now dented and blunted and no longer
a square, a place.
Neither round, nor square.
A flexible space...custom made...
And open to further alterations.
Do you come wrapped appropriately?
Is your package marketable?
Do you qualify for a beautiful person award?
Should you care? Does it matter?
Do you starve amidst plenty?
Do you work, sweat, and strain?
Do you do these things for love?
Or, do you loathe the state you're in?
Do you care? Does it matter?
Maybe quite a bit.
Who likes an empty package? No matter
how suitably wrapped.
Up so early again.
Why it's almost dark.
Another dawn, another round.
Can't you see? It's almost a knockout.
Clothes to be stacked, dishes so high.
Dust puffs float near the floor.
Morning sun shines at my eyes,
As I leave my front door. Which door was that?
Hassle, confront, hurry, explore,
Plan, rush, argue. Then teach a few more.
Give of your care,
Mind their delicate selves.
Praise, then, exhort.
Get those books on those shelves.
Finally, comes the return.
Round about again.
Sunset, oh, so lovely.
Evening creeping near.
Get out some food. Clear a cluttered space.
Then, get the stuff fast away.
Put your children to bed 'cause
You've got to relax for the very next bout.
Right away! The very next day!
Almost missed that train
Almost turned around
Ne'er to dream again
But, suddenly it called,
Called strongly to me, through my daze,
"Come with me. Come run free."
And, I answered.
No! You can't!
Here, let me do it.
I do it better.
Be careful!
Watch out!
Don't run!
Don't fall!
Sit down!
What the hell! Why do it at all!
I can't do it right!
You do it better!
Why bother!!!
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