swimming upstream
morning by morning
watching for signs
of life on the wing
ready to catch
a sunbeam in action
lasso its tail and ride while I sing
*****
holding the hours
open and loose
letting them do
what stacked minutes do
ready to clasp
the things that are right
let the rest fall and go toward the light
*****
time is a shape-changer
days into months
life is a mood-changer
light into dark
ready to wake
and look at the real
let it suffice for the feelings I feel
*****
the world is still here
despite all intent
it claims my attention
as price for my rent
but with only so much
I can spare for the cost
I’m turning away before it’s all lost
*****
the things I most value
are fully at risk
anguish won’t save them
from those who are sick
so hope is the strongman
that stands as my pick
for swimming upstream
’til THE END
JSmith 09/26/2020
Playing for Time 
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