Paul believes
he earned
something sweet.
He hoists
a pint of bitter
ghosts.
He measures
the conductive power
of a white lie.
Paul puts away
his verbal knives
but not his rapier wit.
He recognizes
how desperation
weakens his case.
He speaks over
his listening
impairment.
The fruit
of his efforts
exits his proximity.
copyright © 2020 Kenneth P. Gurney
Umflop 