🔵 By Richard Smith. Photo by lauragrafie.
Stuck in a cage
with nowhere to go.
I think I’ll take a trip
into the depths of my soul.
Reality parts
and in I go.
With curiosity and bravery,
fear that it’s me I don’t know.
Wondering what there is,
what will I see?
One thing is sure,
it will be nothing but me.
The gatekeeper greets me,
in battered armor without mirth.
„The prodigal master returns,“ he says.
„Enjoy your scorched earth.
„Go where you like,
for it is nothing but you.
Try not to cause any more damage
or you will think less of you.“
Journey begins,
war and death all around.
One step at a time,
there is beauty to be found.
Battlefield for character,
evicted demons left scars.
Dead ambitions everywhere,
things I thought were stars.
The feasting hall abandoned,
rotted to the bone.
Not even a cup left,
for me to drink alone.
Shattered picture frames,
images burned.
Now vague memories,
for a past not yearned.
A trophy case of overcoming
on display for all to see.
To what purpose? To inspire?
Or to say, „Look at me!“?
A fool sits upon
my pride’s throne.
Starved, bloody, and beaten he is.
Still a fool, still alone.
I see nothing of worth,
fear creeps, beginning of being undone.
When ashes take flight,
I see new life has begun.
Beneath the ashes,
new life is found.
Greenery and brilliant color,
true beauty all around.
Ray of light, hope glimmers,
day begins to fear demise.
Maybe I’ll stay longer
to watch the sun begin to rise.