1. Don’t think
at least I think not
sloughs of despond
and quagmires clog
the mind of
the thinker
therefore I am
responding to instinct
avoiding stagnant ponds
2. Don’t blink
- get in the right spot
here it comes
all rise
I rise highest
eyes on the prize, and
in it flies
no
a rebound
head it
no kick it
right or left foot
oh no
too slow
the thicker man
was quicker
to the ball
and I've let the chance go
3. Pen and ink
Writer’s block
clocking ticks
and tocks
and the time that never stops
and too many other tasks
tea at two for one
out at eight
so too late
to get this writing done
is it
or is it not
turn on the TV
turn off time's
toxic
ticks
and tocks
watch the box
till tomorrow
till it's time to turn it on again
and off and on and off
4. Don't sink
Keep on
sweat in eyes
hot
trench ahead
occupied
or not
get bayonet at the ready
fears aside
JUMP IN
stench
rats and flies
thank God
they’re dead
no they're not
one on this side
and one on that side
me in between
am I ready
5. Don't wink
She likes me
but I couldn’t
I wouldn’t
I shouldn’t
or
should I
would I
could I
just do it