Tuesday, May 01, 2007

ambition

my mattress only moans and sighs
it is not the proper place
for a man like me
lying on thoughtful nails
rather than rest

a question rather than answer
if i were to write the story of a life
could i say how
i climbed a tower of hours
to the room at the top

how i could have counted tedious steps
how many of my graves are spread below

how i light the dark window again
with my moon encrusted sleepless face

8 comments:

Pat Paulk said...

Alright, you got me again: "how i could have counted tedious steps
how many of my graves are spread below". Who can't relate to this great line. Excellent poem Russell!!

Russell Ragsdale said...

Thanks Pat! I'm very glad this poem was to your taste. I am honored by your comment. Thanks my friend.

Anonymous said...

The crescendo of those last four lines says it all! Well done, Russell.

Russell Ragsdale said...

Thanks Aurora! You're definately right, the last four lines of this poem have a rhythm and momentum all their own, with a bit of a tweak at the couplet. Thanks for the great comment my sweet.

Pris said...

So good. Wonderful write, Russell.

Russell Ragsdale said...

Wow Pris, thanks! What a fabulous comment. Glad you enjoyed this.

Sue hardy-Dawson said...

Insomnia, oh how I feel it, and the deep thoughts that grow within

Russell Ragsdale said...

Depth and mystery seem to be natural components to darkness and who else would spend so much time there besides us insomniacs. Thanks Sue for that wonderful comment sweet lady (and I hope you get some restful sleep).