today the fog has lifted
I can see beyond the stars
it's like the world has shifted
I've slipped right through the bars

how could have I been so blind
to not see beyond this cell
my chance to leave the dark behind
this hole in which I dwell

but in my heart I'm certain
that soon darkness will return
so I will close this curtain
as life and memories burn

I sit in this room; dark, dusty and blue
the solitary door; slightly ajar
joy, laughter and golden light pour through
memories of outside; clouded and far

a gust of wind blows my fantasy closed
what was behind the door I now must know
I decide to leave - i'm left unapposed
this cant be hard - so planning I forego

I reach for its worn handle of dulled brass
my hand finds only wall; no door in sight
the final sand grain falls in my hourglass
as the door waits; just an foot to the right

cracked earth, gold ruins of a tribe that reigned
within this deep narrow chasm, I reside
cradling tribesmen bones, I'm faithfully chained
as opposed steep rock walls loom either side

east; a rope ladder posed by those before
an easy cliff ascent to its plateau
where a hamlet sits; my hometown Baloor
my old life of merriment and wines' flow

west; the way seized by foolish and fearless
scaling the crag is the only recourse
no lent equipment; a route taken gearless
and once at the top, there is more of course

escaping the gorge; a hurdle stands tall
mount gravefall. stretching straight to the sky
on snowy peak; a tower of stone wall
its said worlds edge can be seen from so high

up its thousand winding steps lives its sire
the old grey wizard who claims to see all
it is his conference I so desire
for it's he who'll restore sight to a fool

it's west I choose - the impossible west!
I begin my climb my struggle and strain
loose rocks, lost footing, I fail the test
the wizard above laughs as I try again
... and again

I once made it half up that mountain's side
'till the wizard let out a thund'rous shout
sent tumbling down with the triggered rockslide
to where I started, my home and hole, in pout

staring at my sliver of scrolling grey cloud
recumbent I lie, my quest drew no gains
as townsfolk leer down and wonder aloud
for that patient ladder, no strength remains

soon winter will flood this canyon estate
washing away all who stay in this bowl
I will join my tribal friends as I wait
for my bones to be held by another lost soul

to barter strongly once for hedgerows green;
where dry-stone walls entwine the bleating fields,
pray wander day to chance a badger seen;
near-timeless river flows 'round chestnut yields.

hear amber leaves fell blanket my path set;
spry squirrels dart along a mighty bough.
out woodland copse reveals serene vignette;
idyllic landscapes; bluff and heath plateau.

black crows' flock swallowed by the settled fog,
gales undress oak in endless leaf supply,
to witness season on moss-covered log;
as water falls with thunderous rage from high.

now dreaming to restore a muse sublime;
of flourished natural beauty braced in time.

only this passing moment matters,
    the past soon outpaces sight,
as life occurs it scatters,
    no lucidity; try as I might.

decisions made without conclusion,
    affecting a lost timeline,
resigned; with no delusion,
    that I could alter this life of mine.