Once upon a time and time again
I have revisited the scenes of past debacles
combing wreckage, searching for clues,
seeking reminders in cautionary tales

Once upon a time and time again
I tell myself I will not repeat errors of then
and normally stay true to those desires
until, looking back, I see inklings to before

Once upon a time and time again
I have resolved to improve this, not do that
develop better habits, attitudes, self
truncated moments; indifference, in conclusion…

Once upon a time and time again is
once upon a time and time and not this again
not now, not today, not on my watch
once upon a time used to start fairy tales

– Mark L. Lucker
© 2017
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