Pixelated Blues

There’s something about the academic life
that makes Fall start in August
and days-off nonexistent.

Sometimes Steve Earle on itunes
and a jelly jar full of whiskey
redeems an entire day
spent typing and backspacing
and chewing tops off pens.

But then I look around me
at the potted plants and dogs sleeping
on the floor and wonder
if there’s something lazy about the whole thing.