For a Musecrafters Forum Prompt . The painting: Nude Descending a Staircase by Marcel Duchamp.

Laid Bare

Life goes on never ending
every day the same
walking downs the steps of life
knowing only my name.
Born free of all impediments
I found it wasn't true.
Demands, needs, responsibilities
present themselves anew.
I take the steps spiraling down
the staircase to tomorrow
never knowing I lost my soul
while wallowing in my sorrow.
I've been made nude, down to my skin
my  decadence laid bare.
I came here filled with happiness
and now I'm in despair.
I walk the steps of misery
laid bare my mechanical parts
a nude descending the staircase
of empty souls, emptier hearts.

Copyright 2007 Jo Janoski, Poet Laureate of Pennsylvania™ 2007