I know where I want to be
I’ve been there before - once only
But the climb into that longed-for place
Is steep and hard and stony.
The scree slope calls to me
‘Just slide for a while,
Continue to bide for a while.
Start tomorrow on the climb
Slide down to the shade below,
Where the green grass and flowers grow
And wax fat there in everlasting
Never-fasting repose.’
I know where I want to be
I’ve been there before - once only
But the climb into that longed-for place
Is steep and hard and stony.
And the footpath calls to me,
‘Descend by my easy way
Leave the too-bright light
Concealed will be your decay
Avoid the burning light of day
Stretch out in dappled shade
Where all your fears can be allayed
Sleep there in ever-dreaming never-waking slumber.’
The voices calling me to ‘climb’
Are weak and muffled and easily ignored
Resolution turns to diversion and then to regret
And dreams-ambition still is not met
I’ll fear that I will still be in this circle-trap
Until the voices grow silent
And I eat my final feast and take my final nap.
(c) Cosmic Gorilla, 2018