Sandpaper, Bone And Grace

"Contemplate this on the tree of woe" Wow! And I thought I was a pessimist.

Anyway, this poem is really stirring. Not just good - stirring. Perhaps it's because of my current state of mind (or lack of). Or perhaps it's a world-wide contagion. Personally, I find the echoes in the "...was once" lines is nice. I do think the line 5th from last could do without the "the" ("of orchids / of Bukowski"). Also, consider the last word as "mine" instead of "me".

Very nice write. I'm only sorry that I can identify with it. Then again, all lives need turning points to progress.

Alcuin