Original Poems 2024

Living On My Ceiling

1
nowhere near enough were safe
when the world turned upside down
those walking and stuck in traffic
lost faster than any warning

2
I heard a call made it through
when the Earth shed its multitudes
there was too much wind to hear
what the people said on their descent

3
those at work survived for a time
but many more simply chose to join
the ever crystal blue that held aloft
every street, tower, and eyeball

4
falling furniture and priceless collections
preceded those hoping to reunite
with a world of graying skies and night
or simply to follow those that fell

5
in time we knew day was forever
the clouds had abandoned sky
as the sum of all discarded possessions
that filled azure cracks like grout

6
now we who live on ceilings
know there is something there below
but for all of us who still think it up
we dare not risk that one-way trip

7
soon our food stores will spoil
now that global power has failed
we talk with shouts about the before
but do not risk a formal gathering

8
the last of the neighborhood dogs are silent
only birds add contrast to the screams
we sometimes convince the loudest to risk it
so that our ears can enjoy a reprieve

9
through the basement that was my attic
I've seen the empty rooms of neighbors
their whole life is now a humble reminder
that they too once walked on carpets

10
with every sleep expiration dates grow bigger
I ration by preservation but hunger for variety
my neighbors and I have all grown quiet
we're waiting to know that we're the last

11
I've found I don't spend much time walking
or even crawling up to the ground floor
my leisured default is laying by windows
waiting to see another bravely plummet

12
perhaps they've all found salvation
maybe I've failed this test of character
but I won't be fool enough to wager
that I am the last soul in my block

13
I remember a time when I went out
when dinners could be bought at a premium
but even that cost seems slim compared
to this world that knows no kilter