Lengths of joy are shortened and trickle day by day
Into time’s labyrinth that flushes fast away,
Precious time fleeing waits on no man’s pensive moods
To bear reward of little calm, brief interludes,
Little need pursuing its worth, for truth obsessed
And selfish, begging pleasant days with love caressed.
But man has goalless aims and even lesser fight,
Woebegone fantasies forcing knowledge to flight,
Working manners that scorn consistency somehow
And lack of conscience as regards the here and now,
Rigid standards to conform without compassion,
Ignoring elements that are love’s just ration,
Then after helpless crying, wailing loud complaint
Whither have flown enchanted days without restraint.
How shallow can cling those endearing emotions,
When taken for granted, like steadfast devotions.
Yet tensile can be love that wanes and fades away
For even rocky gorges with pressure will decay,
And battles of the mind with futile gain compared
Do rage in fury, and restless find love despaired,
For even witless passion exists with some accord
Though depth and breadth, a greater tolerance afford.
But can love turn away and never blink an eye,
Not so, but pain enduring will instinct deny,
Wary heart seek its freedom no matter the cost,
Fidelity completely forsaken and lost.
Claire V. Bogdanos 