I Know Where I Want to Be

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