Alley of Discontent (revised)

I stand before a
shadow on the wall
soddy edges that
sharpen with razor-sharp memories
and contemplate
the closeness of my being
the revelation of my existence
and the attempt to gain an
upper hand with this apparition
on a wall
in an alley of diminishing returns
an alley of loveless ambition
a sanctuary for all my boasting.

© Richard L. Provencher