breathe
the dry
labored air
words placed
like delicate figurines
on dusty shelves
casting shadows
on what was
my chest
burns
is their joy
behind that smile?
is their sadness
in those tears?
looking into your eyes
wondering where you are
thinking
feeling
my heart
aches
how long can you smile
and hold your breath?
so this is normal?
so this is sane?
why don't we hide
like everyone else
beneath the latest
implanted inspiration?
in a world that revels
with the triumph
of every down-filled fear
a quota too far
a fico too low
security
in elder years
dying long before
we pass on
the fire
has not died
yet the candle
resists the flame
and so it burns
so it aches
ne'er to whisper good night
but it lives
where there is life
inside
real
true
the fuel
of my steps
of my dreams
where the river flows
where the wind blows
