To be or not to be

I dangle

from the precipice

fingers dug deep

into earth, crumbling

holding on

to life

for what its worth

blood gushing

through every sinew

the tips

red and raw

as I loosen

my grip.

 

I ponder

is this coil

a precious stone

a glittering jewel

that illuminates the dark

or is it

a mere bauble

a fool's scepter

pointing the way

to a distant light.

 

And I wonder

who it was

that though fit

to breathe life

into this mix

of dirt and dust

from celestial stars

fallen to ground

and why

his conscience chose

to leave me here,

hanging,

abandoned from hope

wrestling with thoughts

morbid and bleak

that fill my mind

and force my hand.

© Paul O' Neill 2012

 

Reviews

[Circe]

I read this before but I didn't know how to comment... you are so smart... the thoughts and scenes in this are so intense... and succinct, not even one wasted breath.. metaphoric and raw.. very much loved.

[Pól]

Thank u, Circe

[caesarkreshen]

I think this has a good internal rhythm. I am a big fan of short lines.

[Pól]

thank you

[Emily Dickinson Jr.]

Its pretty good but It could have had a better rythm ya know? Plus you'll atract more people to read if you have pictures. usually I'm fan of short lines but I think this particular poem would read better with longer lines.

[Pól]

Thanks, ed