In The Box.

in the box where mirth once lay,
corners meet from disarray.
drenched in halts with smears of sheen
lazy musing feeds chagrin.

patience streams where dreams don't play,
wait in line to ebb away.
one and two, three and four,
a dance of chance but nothing more.

time stands still in holding gaze,
carving laughs from yesterdays.
a crinkled smile, a shaking head.
the gift of nought duly paid.