Gary Beck’s most recent poem to appear here was “Street People VI” (November 2016). Gary’s latest poetry collection, Fault Lines, was released in November and is available for purchase here. 

The Passage of Time
By Gary Beck

Lust for pleasure
was a preoccupation
sustaining much of my life,
purpose replaced
by appetite,
resolving nothing when fulfilled.
Driven to unsatisfied repetition
I began to learn
when uncontrolled
wanting is disease
consuming my days,
tormenting my nights.
Now I struggle
to moderate desire
so I can enjoy
what I have.