The time is now 
complacency
should find no 
solace 

false starts
do-overs and 
tomorrows
been there 
done that 
nearly to death

So what makes 
this time
any different
what says 
I can do this 
with any more 
conviction than 
the time 
before the times
before 
those other times

Penultimate to
rock-bottom
don’t miss a step
zig this time
where you usually 
zag

with clarity of
last chances
comes 
reality, resolve
now, never
acquiesce 
today is the day
nullification
gives way to 
no longer 

This is your 
Etch-A-Sketch 
moment 
quick flick 
up, down, left
right
repeat, vigorously
until your 
hands bleed

The time is now
flip it over
look at the gray
blankness
contemplating 
next
inhale on the 
now
murky, grainy 
slate
a dirty clean 

Draw a line 
start fresh

now.


– Mark L. Lucker
© 2024
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B017LALIES