I won't drown my past
in alcohol, nor swallow barbiturates,
I'll keep alert, like surgeon
at the ready.

For after all clarity of mind
is essential for giving answers if asked.

Essential for precision if possible
should I by chance hear my children's voices
asking about the height of the walls.

Few looked skyward, after all they were focusing
on the ladle by which they assessed the level,
were looking down in case some crumbs had dropped
just like birds, only they had no wings.