But Not I

by R. Olaf Erich

If I was of a weaker mind
or estrangement of my soul
I would view past events
as if I had the responsibility
or ownership of failure. 
But not I.
I do not conjure up
false images of real people
or real images of false people
then cry foul when reality
does not meet the insanity
of my fantasies. 
But not I.
I will not waste my time
belittling phantom heroes
who disappoint me
knowing they most likely
reflect my neurosis. 
But not I.
I know sand castles
are not of concrete and steel made
footprints in the sand will not hold water
and if my whole life is spent
walking through graveyards of dead moments,
then I know I have never lived.

 



 

Author's Bio

R. Olaf Erich is a 50+ times published poet who lives in the great state of Wisconsin, Green Bay, to be exact. Erich is a twelve-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps and holds a BS in philosophy with concentrations in religious studies and environmental ethics.