Door of promise, of freedom
from the black that envelops the room.
Before me, tempting tempest
glows white as yonder moon.

The way is shut to me;
no reprieve, no escape.
Yearning for light of mind and soul,
though it may yet be too late.

No time for liberal liberties
or open air for opened lungs.
No chance to clamber from the cave;
no ladder, no rungs.

Door locked, sound mute.
Beseeching goes unheard.
Attempt to share your silence
and you will be named absurd.

Blinding dark, deafening quiet.
I wonder “where am I?”
“Where am I going?”
Searching for a place to lie.

I go to a shore of peace and war
where I have nothing to keep.
Not a worry or a care.
Close my eyes to sleep.