This Day's Embrace

Sprawled in silence on the damp floor,

He tries hard to scream.
Words die down somewhere near,

Sisyphean it does seem.

Something inscrutable tries to rend the soul,

When a beam spills over into the dark room.

The languid gaze toils some more.

And finally settling on the casement,

Reveals an effulgent moon.

The listless form heaves itself up. 

This can not be another beginning. 

Then lurches frantically towards the source. 

Towards the assuring calming glow.

Frantic hands at the blinds. 

Frantic hands will put out the kindled rising. 

Looming destination now knows no course. 

The story seems smudged in its flow.

Then something gives way within him. 

The fingers clutch the bars desperately. 

That life is mere attrition and accumulation, 

Is realised clearly.

Hungering eyes having been replenished,

With hazy recollections, 

He slumps against the rickety bed. 

The rage of the night flashes past, 

Inundating the muddied corners. 

Promising a frisson of light, 

And grief in its wake.

Indolent groans. 

Disobedient thoughts. 

He is awake now. 

Time to respawn. 

And as if nothing happened the night before, 

Ventures out into the affectionate place, 

Which men call "The World".