Backwards


I keep falling farther behind.
I can not learn the latest technology.
I begin to forget the old 
Software that is no longer available. 

I keep falling back 
To carbon paper and typewriters,
Slide rules and number two pencils. 
Some of which I could not use.

I am falling back now past fountain pens,
Back to quills and parchment. 
I am sure to fall further 
To papyrus and blocks of clay,

Farther still to rock walls
Scratched with stones
Or stained with plant pigments. 
Back now to carved bones,
Strange zigzags on trees.

Back I go to body gestures 
And odd noises made
With tongue and teeth and lips. 

Back, back to before a thought
Could form in any head.
Only fears now and desires,
Pangs of hunger, pain and aches.

Back, back until there is no more
Than a fish's understanding,
One moment at a time,
Forgotten as soon as it arrives. 




Bide Your Time


Let the sadness creep over you
As it tends to this time of night.
There is so much you could weep for
In this world and in your life.

Let it have these moments.
They will pass.
The empty space left behind
Can be filled with other emotions

When their proper hour arrives.