i remain awake

wake me up when we have left,

all the festering detritus of strained emotions,
lost,

buried down alleyways of hateful forgiveness.

nudge me when we are at peace,
within altleast,
if not without,

or else,

allow me slumber,

sinking into the arms of embracing night,

offering me alms,
cajoling, insistent,

far too tempting,
wickedly alluring,

and,
so,

i am awake.

tick-tock …

when the walk hobbles,
and the talk slows,

when so many years take their toll,
when wrinkled, grey,

the passage of time,
creases smiles,

just knowing you,
my lifeline,

still,
enriches my life,

mile upon gathering mile.

?

?

splintered wings,
kicking dust,
seeking release,

bound, humans,
bereft of feeling,

while,

caged souls,
bereft of hope,

wills strangled,
spirits mangled,

wane,
wither,

away …

… all for a few laughs,

perhaps,
a couple of giggles,

some people amused,

fleeting,

this interest,
novelty,

but for the caged ones,
whose open skies lie broken, tattered,

caged souls,
hearts,

wills,
resolve,

now brittle,

having felt the stab,

of dreams dashed,
hopes shattered.