I SHALL NOT WRITE AGAIN

i shall not  write again, i can hear
myself say, is this the end
when the words fail to materialize
on any page, i am angry with myself
sad withdrawn, what  is happening to me
there used to be a day when, i would
literally see words write themselves, and
now nothing, what am i to make of it
i am beginning to feel spooked, i have heard of
times like this, but not expecting it for myself so
as i sit here wondering what is next for me- i hear
in the other room, the clock on the wall tick tock away
and so i smoke on and on endlessly, trying to cope
all of which creates an unhealthy haze surrounding me
beads of sweat gather at my brow, i can see for myself
this is real as i bear witness to a blank lifeless empty page

by Michael Perry