Up the Down Escalator

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UP THE DOWN ESCALATOR

               — for Tim

As far as measurable here’s 

and there’s, you’ll find the endeavor

a frustrating one. If any ground 

is gained it will be found 

to be interior terrain, 

a destination stumbled upon

when you have exhausted your-

self and your vain aspirations of forward

progress. You’ll notice the children

are the ones yet fool enough

to try and go on trying 

despite the sharp remonstrance

of parents, logic, security

guards bidding them stop and be carried

down with the rest to a sensible level.

You’ll notice the knuckleheads

are the ones who sometimes even get there, 

arriving at a place far higher

than just the second floor,

out of breath, yes, but squealing with laughter.

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