A wizard I am not
besot by steel balls
brain knotted mere flot-
sam in the drink
getting got by the machine
fraught
in slight delays of thought
another quarter in the slot
embarrassment was bought

I have multiball
on my third ball
tracking three balls
now I can’t fall
right?

bumpers buzzers
bells blares
bright lights and bold sounds
beautifully rhythmic
but only if there’s talent

the balls band together
in triangular formation
transporting me to Galaga
kamikaze aliens

this is a moment I cannot fail at
this is where I turn the whole game around

when it’s late
and it’s just you and me
way, way beyond the time
for me to speak my heart

my little ship
overwhelmed
freezes

fumbling fingers
fling frenetic
flippers fraction-
ally too early
and I watch
so much potential
slip
one
two
three           
into oblivion

shoot again
is not highlighted