miscalculations and indulgent thoughts. hopeless devotion to the cause. homespun remedies and doubtful therapies. elusive memories are often temporary. inner peace and outer depravity. no lessons learnt or belief in gravity. a certain unwillingness to say no. an inability to know when to go. deadwood and lame ducks are all out of luck. predictable sameness and plodding everydayness. no happy endings or transgender blendings. but always odd socks in need of some mending. bohemian lab rats hanging out with the cats. staying up late and wearing black. not going to be scaredy white mice. turning the wheel is not our vice. it gets you nowhere and that’s our best advice. we are the experiment but we don’t care. it’s just a scientific affair. and you should see what we’re getting for dinner. he’s just an unconventional lazy bones. shaggy dog looks and forever stoned. most likely never owned a comb. can’t even remember how he got home. smoking garden gnomes. but he’s never roamed. and won’t ever leave you on your own. you know his journey never ends. salutations is what he sends. and even if he had the cash. he never lends. but other people's money. he freely spends. always quick to beat a retreat. would rather run than take a seat. can’t take a chance on who you’ll meet. shifty eyes and plump sweaty feet. a sharp little beak. and a liking for meat. curls up and sizzles when subjected to heat. each floorboard has an eerie creak. the plaintive bleat of the bleak freak. the twisted appeal of the unhappy geek. an unusual tweak at the end of the week. an acquired taste. a select clique. nothing lasts forever. but forever’s not so picky anymore. and the past has given up keeping score. i know i made some promises. but then i lost some teeth. i know you question my truthfulness. but things have changed. a lot. and i’m doing my best to make it up to you. and someday i’ll have the money. and i’ll be true. and i’ll be back and set it right. trust me. that’s what i’ll do.