The Well

Sometimes I wonder if there is a well

deep below the surface of my consciousness

where an endless sorrow laps

against the stone

and only sudden and intense

moments

can lower far enough

to dip their innocent emptiness

into the depths of things

too big to be contained

in my mind, or even heart.

Sometimes I wonder if childhood

isn’t the best part of life

and the most damning.

I wonder where love goes when

those you would give the oceans

(tears and adoration) to

turn away

fade away

leave (never knowing why or for how long).

I wonder if all this inky black mystery

is safe down there

or if I should lower my guard

all the way to the echoing end

and see what bitter treasures

are waiting to be tasted.