Empty Shell Poem by Jonathan ROBIN

Skin weathered, worn, gums bled, teeth torn
from roots, where whistle once dared Time
send warning: shorn ambition scorn,
end of tether waits quicklime
to swallow second thoughts forlorn.
Who grasped the thistle, stops scared climb
upon greed's back till envy's sting
curtails wraith's phantom pantomime.
cards stacked pride's track soon downfall bring.

Most lie forsworn before Death's dawn
sets skin a-bristle, fear's enzyme
warms flesh, as gristle few will mourn.
Though working double overtime,
counterattacks relief can't bring,
serve but to animate vain mime:
all's empty shell before knells ring.