A Stone Wall
My lot a stone wall.
Holding me apart from water of life.
No matter the height of my leap.
That golden creek always out of reach.

Gray ugly vines, sharp and poisonous to the touch.
Hold me as if I were a tree.
Keeping me from climbing over.
To get a drink.

Ground as iron, impossible to dig.
Unyielding to my pick and shovel.
Aching arms burn at night.
With no end-no end in sight.

My single joy is my home.
High in the oak tree.
Still it is too far away to set me free.
Still at dusk it lets me see that golden creek.

Sadness sets in as the dark red orb descends.
Behind that ugly stone wall.
I must be free or in state madness is how eventually I will be.
Found by some unfortunate soul trapped here too.

To sleep I go heart ready to burst.
Hate and loneliness part of my fate.
A tear escapes falling to my tired chest.
I fade away as stars awake from their rest.

I dream of long swims, it eases my mind.
Cool water clear as air on my skin.
Finally I relax.
My corporeal spirit floats.

I am pulled up with a jerk.
Out of that creek to a hot wind.
Dust and sand sting me awake.
I scream at a sting on my eyes.

I close my eyes tight not to go blind.
I use my hands to shield my rough face.
What are minutes pass as hours.
Till the wind and grim spin away.

My fears grow in the dead clam.
Deep inside me some room of my mind.
A tiny bit of madness springs to life.
I see it all as red in my psyche.

A bouncing ball of bright bands.
A ribbon of fire embedded in each.
Eating up my sanity with each pawing.
With a final push I leave the leech.

I will myself to face a new day.
My tools stand silent as metal soldiers.
Ready to do as they must.
They lean against the tree.

I look upon my towering home.
Even this giant is ready to fall.
Still it hangs on for what I do not know.
Even leaves still grow.