this picturesque
obelisk
emblazoned
with a slow descent
into rigorous decay

the world is
gorgeous chaos
as the sun’s
maternal glare
falls balefully

resting on
the frozen surface
of the lake
as it opens up
to swallow the light

there is no
clearly marked exit
just a box
six feet deep
waiting impatiently

the chaotic insolence
inherent in
trying your best
to fall short
every time