They Call It Flunking

They call it flunking, but I call it learning,

earning a degree in productive mistakes. 

I'm now in line for an advanced degree

in crafting conclusions from past tense.

Little recompense after the spate of 

duty in answer to a wall of 

obligations prolonged never to 

evaporate. Let's face it: This life

is a rehearsal, and the stage is ripe

for repetition. Each scene has been blocked,

and I know my place, at least for now.

The idea is not to wow those

in the audience watching, listening.

Instead, take the moment to take in

fresh air, act, then exhale learned behavior

beyond the fossil fuel fought over.