Once upon a time

and most days after

I woke up in the middle

of a step

and wondered where I was

going

and why.


Once upon a time

and most years after

I wanted to wake up

from what

I hoped was a dream

gone sour

and stale


Once upon a time

and never thereafter,

I got what I wanted

for Christmas

because I was ready

for anything

but nothing


Once upon a time

and just for a fleeting

glimpse in the distance

since

I saw the bright light

of maturity

dancing maddeningly

and available.


Once upon a time

and never since

I thought adults

knew what they were doing

and that when I was one, too,

I would have, too.