A posteriori

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Working on my magnum opus
it occurred to me to look
underneath the creaking floorboards
for my never-written book

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Memories have fallen into
crevices that hold them fast
pulped into a parchment record
tiny breaths of dreams long past

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Pages form a dark cathedral
though the lock is bright and new
something beckons in those shadows
years dissolve as I pass through

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Corridors are deep and twisted
cold as an accuser’s eyes
up ahead the quest light pulses
promising some holy prize

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Antechambers filled with wisdom
only seen when left behind
mentors and manipulators
equal builders of the mind

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Passage runs in one direction
no return and no retreat
walls behind have turned transparent
taunting forward facing feet

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Steps bring changes barely noticed
rippling back through walls and years
as I realise I am altered
my cathedral disappears

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Suddenly the room is brighter
sunlight splatters fill the air
frown lines slink away embarrassed
this brow shall not fold with wear

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I have left that skin behind me
though the flesh is sweet and raw
shadows will no more define me
they remain beneath the floor