The Fates ask me
“What is it you want”?
They ask at
at precise intervals;
spread out neatly
on my short
stubby
thread.
1.
They catch me out
in times of calm
sending ripples
through what was still;
you can imagine my annoyance
e v e r y t i m e .
2.
“What is it you want”?
It’s a casual question
– mentor to child;
An answer they already know
Even when I do not.
3.
“What is it you want”?
“it” being it;
Not really a want
But a borderline necessity;
4.
– D E S I R E –
What a funny little thing
– A funny little force;
Tantamount to nothing;
A crushing
conquering
Command.
5.
There is no punishment
For failure
(but it wouldn’t matter
even if there was)
non est optio defectum
(Failure is not an option)
6.
and so – they’ve asked again,
“what is it you want”?
I had an answer –
An answer that
Scared me.
7.
I want
to be king.
8.
But answers always
lead to more questions.
The fates ask a new question,
– And they keep a s k i n g –
“King
of
What”?
9.