The Beaker

Once upon a long time past

in memory here at last

revived from slumber deep

from when I was asleep

–

listen close, bend your ear

a strange world may appear

buried deep beneath the sand

lies an ocean near at hand

–

Do not listen to the albatross

nor bear weight you carry ‘cross

from this world a bitter thief

bring only a single painted leaf

–

Do not spend days in sadness

nor in glad and happy madness

stroke by stroke is how we leave

some quicker without reprieve

–

Fill the beaker up with stone

until the water stands alone

pristine upon the sweating lip

the maiden voyage, a virgin ship.