up, not down

i could have sworn this staircase
once went up, not down
but perhaps i was simply on a lower floor?
this door looks funky too
familiar, but subtly different
the stillness remains, the wait

that much has not changed
even if everything feels shifted
not much has changed, really
not on the atomic level
no real global impact

but imagine my surprise
to be a burden when so easy
and earnest i have tread, pacing
stoking coals and singing to owls
love songs, love songs, love songs
through the nights long

but you have swam in more exciting rapids
and now dismiss the drift of my slow bend
you've no desire to float
no matter how cool and clear the water
you have been down my river,
and you shall swim up another

still i'll stay an easy rider
and mimic the buddha in repose