Figuring It Out... Poem by RIC BASTASA

first, we figure out
what makes us really happy,
takes us lots of time
and places
forgetting about the essence
of the heart,
then we move on to accept
what is laid before our eyes
mostly pain
alcoholic numbness
saves
and finally we find ourselves
beyond ourselves
against the rage of time
falling beyond the edge
of our sufferings

and then we feel nothing
at most
we are relieved
and then we do not tell them
that we
are free.