Elephant Graveyard

When I was young, I learned that 

there is a place 

where elephants go to die.

As a boy 

I thought that this was sad;

but now, as welcome grey 

wanders around my ears,

I have realized-

I don't think that they went there

knowing 

that they would expire-

but more like that man 

who climbed a very high mountain-

he,

and they, 

went

to live.

Sometimes I forget why. 

Why I'm walking

stumbling,

clawing, and

dying for an idea that even I sometimes question.

I'm doing it to live

and that's enough for now.

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A Chilly Morning

Complacency flowers into compassion.

The treadmill doesn't want you and

the microwave doesn't whine so much anymore.

These things aren't pure evils.

Don't forget how to come back home.

Don't forget how to be uncomfortable.

Don't forget how to scathe,

how to ignore flirtation

and how to scorn.

Yesterdays nerves are

todays cold showers-

are tomorrows grins.

Remember the good work,

do more of it.

Remember the good coffee

drink more of it-

enjoy the bitter

shirk the sugar.

Remember the poor work.

The endless lines about the color and 

clarity

of scotch.

Remember that whiskey will always be king.

but water will always be a steady queen.

Remember that the desires of the flesh are never wrong

but aren't always right.

Remember the first time.

Remember the best of friends resemble the most pernicious viruses

cropping up

in the darkest of places 

in the most inopportune times.

Never inoculate yourself to them.

Remember that bow ties are worth the effort.

Remember to breathe

Remember to love what you do

Remember to enjoy the fall, and be always wary of

the climb.