afternoon

there is a point
in the afternoon
when the motivation seeps away
and the determination seeps in
to alter the method of progress

laziness takes ahold
despite attempts to keep moving forward
the tar and molasses slowly gum down the shoes
until they are solidly stuck, no longer able
to be lifted.

and just when it seems that
all motion has ended
the engine is able to begin slowly again
and slide downhill into evening
only attempting to gain speed to climb the hill again.

for each day is a rollercoaster, and the afternoon is but the point
where the front cars are slowly hanging
dangling
over the ledge
but the weight of the back cars prevents forward motion
only slightly inching
inching
staring at the bottom of the hill
but not quite possessing the energy
to make a run for it

and just as suddenly as it has slowed
it has begun moving again at a pace faster than ever before

there is a point
in the afternoon.