Poetry – Page 21 – Lewis Walddren

The Meaning of Words

I know the meaning of words,
but I can’t define them.

I know why I love you,
but I can’t find the words.

I could sum up my life with one word,
if only I could remember it.

I would dance with you,
if I knew which steps to take.

I would lay with you,
if I knew which side you preferred.

I would wake up by your side,
if I could sleep through the night.

I would fantasise with you forever,
if only I could dream.

I thought I knew the meaning of words
– but I’ve changed!

And all the books I’ve read,
no longer read the same.

To do today,
wait not until tomorrow?
Yesterday’s reminders,
set my heart to sorrow.

Heavy burden,
a toll I can’t afford;
cross it off,
or cut the cord.

A clean slate,
futile as grasping air;
simple the ideal,
complexity to my despair.

Deeper gets the hole,
I dig to my grave;
procrastinate,
as a bearded man is to shave.

Come age time is lost,
where did the day go?
not enough hours,
to finish the show.

Focus I cannot fathom,
for illusive is the mind;
prioritise I shall not,
I just don’t have the time.

I’ll get straight to it,
I will – no doubt!
Linear,
like a round-about.

The sensation has vanished,

touch no longer has a hand;

connection is diminished,

I now understand.

Eyes have become the vehicle,

that steer us to blindness;

we’ve forgotten how to ride the bicycle,

to our own divineness.

Senses are secondary,

with a life surrounded by objects;

stimulation is primary,

and we are the prime suspects.

Expression is compromised,

our hearts no longer dictate;

our interests sterilised,

our voice a touch too late.

Slow to smell the roses,

fresh sweet perfume;

but time is wasted on social poses,

and we are unable to resume.

Life is a mirror,

our reflection today’s picture;

what I am I struggle to deliver,

and taste the sweet nectar.