Meanwhile, Melody Muses…

If it’s treasure you’re after,

‘X’ always marks the spot;

the places where push shoves

and rubber smears the road

and frost-feathers freeze

are inexorably painting a bull’s-eye

on your soul.

Twenty paces shy of normal,

30 leagues under tumultuous seas,

the secrets of Life’s Map

are only drawn out under duress.

So cheer, Mate!

When troubles broil

and problems are plenty,

your treasure is multiplying –

with interest.