By Mike, May 2018
Pass thru the shaded shore
Dive the welcome waters
Eyes ahead for promised land
But none is seen.
Is this river or lake?
My stream of thought all washed
Away in warming waters
Dark below me.
If Lethe is a lake
Too large for me to cross
Dare not plunge too deep lest… I…
…Forget myself.
A sun-drenched beach ahead?
Thoughtless, I glance behind
And witness the shades detached
From rock or tree.
Avert my eyes in vain
To seek another course
The cool now creeping chills
Along my spine.
Is there no fate for me
Except to tread and fail
Then drink nepenthe until
Oblivion?
Or find that every shore
Is mine and mine alone?
Like the one left behind
Where shadows wait?