it’s more than
pants and trousers,
blue jeans and dreams,
simple solutions
and justifying means.

wrapping around
problems too big,
adjustable until broken,
leather—coarse materials
with shiny buckle tokens.

life in its easy
way—holding on to
what continues to expand,
strained is the supply
with too much we demand.

no need for ones
over shoulders or
winding about the waist,
around my ego are where
my restraints should be placed.

© Conor J. Josten