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Who would’ve thought it
Not me, solid fact
How many times
How many ways
to tell the same story
to break down
the same complaint
to pull out carbon-copy splinters
instead of the coarsest obstruction
to repeat what’s been rehashed
to disguise the mundane
to beguile oneself
progress is an illusion (discuss)
How to loosen up warm machine parts
and monitor signs of stalling
Left unwrapped, or else
Uncomfortable
Doesn’t sit right
anything to be done
fits frivolously
forget temporarily
spasmodic recall
for it to hit
a ton of bricks
not enough
for this structure
and its sagging
crawlspace
Redraft the steps
attempts at meticulously
handling each task
unable to avoid
detritus and jagged edges
Analysis
I lied. I dove head in
shirking secondary
self-imposed responsibility
Focus is on layers and dust
Billowing lint and dandelion
Working on translating hidden
messages, breaking down the moves
it took to get here
Building the list of songs
replaying the clues
Inclined to fantasise to the beat
The hit of a hint indicating
the right road remains unnamed
Bad Dream
Hazy but rushed
running on waking fears
an endless list of tasks
half diplomacy half discipline
carrying a heavy case
at an impromptu concert
while buying contraband
from sisters in habits
trade route opportunists
ask for my name
I spell it out and weave
origin tales, they want money
not fables. Train to catch up
as I’m coming round
missing pedal, automatic realisation
blurred and disorganised start
open to interpretation and analysis
but think I’ll pass
Mooring
Cloud of white noise
electrified wall
stagnant water in the moat
sitting ducks or in a row
Ready to receive
so bring it on
to traipse and shuffle
until its total collapse
Who laughs when
Whose laughter transforms
into thunder, double clap
Cumulonimbus the way into shape
power of a hefty anchor
Book Test (25 Multiple Choice Questions)
Multiple choice questions
to prove you know
the rule of law
because what have you
been doing for thirty years
if not contort and jumped
when asked to
however politely
how many critical hits
counting the money
comes easy, recognition does not
scrutiny of a lapsed ledger
no grey area, all green and red
or on and off, yes or no
instant stall mode for
the literal thinking brain
what we’re dealing with here
is another examination of how
straight and quietly you can queue
fresh review of how durable
the borrowed starch for that upper lip is
(for)Niamos
New generation fills the glass of the Old
Intentional gesture, intended reminder
Ashen is no excuse but the strong need no reason
Merged principles: core of chaos, bars for order
One and all, whole in parts; product or dividend
Stripped of flair, far-reaching refrain
I- Unrisen
The machines go into high numbers
blinking lights turned to night-mode
all beeps muted by default
They know time from minute zero
Patience is a process
Serenity is programmed into the system
Will of many suited someones
Can’t wake up if they can’t slumber
Murmur of a whirr in frigid server room
NaPoWriMo / GloPoWriMo 2025
Hogwash
Look around
Let me point out
examples
one by one
long list
what broke
held up by
strong rope
tied up in a sulk
into gnarly abominations
loose frayed ends
How satisfied and proud
held on by
clinched nails
born from boredom
solely interested in
superficial fixes
short-lived illusions
coated in inappropriate
paint, primer-less
unprepared and indifferent
ready to blame
unable to justify
slice after slice
of nonsense pie
Next Move
I’ve had it up to
(Here) Elephant’s eye
Blink once for yes
don’t dare say no
(Shut tight)
Ingenious has a deadline
It’s come to that
Justice by way of
Malicious compliance
Feint and narrow limit lines
Double output
Slippery slope (gunk)
Obtuse and protruding
Gone far, so far, too far
To traipse (compass)
Point plotting a new direction
(ink) drawn lines (smudge)
CedeRed 