There is a Fine Layer of Dust, by Daniel Smallegange.

There is a fine layer of dust

Covering you almost entirely you

Fine layers and fine print

A fine mess

And look at you looking

With those wet eyes so big

Shake yourself rise up rise up

At least enough to

Shake off some of the gathered detritus

This debris there's bits of plaster too

Coating you, fallen down

From this house once great you built

Now slowly crumbling

A fine mess indeed and murky viewings

Prospects seen

Through windows smeared

But what was once glorious

That is where your head lies now

Behind

And look at you looking

With those big wet liquid eyes

Rise up rise up

Shake off this dust and gathering mold

At least at least

Before you settle once more

To view the past

And reminisce

By Daniel Smallegange, copyright 2026, all rights reserved.

Photo of the author, circa 2010ish.