Inspiration

I find inspiration wherever I look

In the lights running across the ceiling
in patterns that change as I turn my head
from left to right then straight ahead again

In the vending machines all lined up
in a neat row: water, Pepsi, snacks, Coke

In the holiday decorations put up
and left there months or even years ago

In the faded spot on the wall
where a picture had once held sway
a photograph or a painting or a mirror
or a calendar with some circled days

In the spot where they cut down the tree
grinding up the branches and limbs
and the stump, and I thought I could hear
the tree and nature cry out in pain
at the indignity, and although I know
it was once there, no trace now remains

I find inspiration in my cup of coffee
Sitting next to me getting cold as I
Sit next to it, letting time slip by and
Thinking about being young, growing old