Facing the Horde
Zeb Stenman
I know how a rubber band feels
Stretched almost to breaking.
I am pulled in more directions
Than a trampoline.
I face my obligations,
A legion of foes,
Concentrating on each
In turn, and then at random, frantically.
I am quickly overrun.I retreat to
The refuge of my room.
But even in my solitude,
They follow me.I face the horde again,
Taking a test here,
A paper written there,
Walking dogs,
Cooking, cleaning;
Battalions of homework,
Regiments of household duties,
The odd platoon of exams –
I face them all alone,
A last stand worthy of Leonidas
Or Crockett, Bowie and Travis.