All Is Lost

I the empty, I the sleeping ghost,
thorn and chalice, least imbued with most.

Here the desert, hear the tortured wind,
bright with sorrow, lost the spirits pinned.

Then the poison, then the twisted clone,
fierce and timid, fierce to stand alone.

Now the outcome, now the withered truth,
gone the folly, gone the foolish youth.

There the forest, theirs the blackened tree,
deep within, the grief of death’s decree.

You the whirlwind, you the woken ghost,
fear and loathing, lost the dying host.

12th February 2019
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Mukherjee Avatar
June 3, 2020 at 10:03 AM
Fiercely beautiful.
Sharp Avatar
June 3, 2020 at 11:49 AM
Thank you, Jhinuk, very kind of you indeed. Welcome to PS, It's good to have you here.
Ashley Avatar
April 10, 2019 at 7:03 PM
Your poetic artistry continues to amaze me, Lawrence. Your haunting poem is stunning, dark, rich and ripe with emotions - causing me to linger and savor the beauty of its craftsmanship. A fav! Warmest wishes always, my friend.. ~Susan
Sharp Avatar
April 11, 2019 at 10:27 AM
Thank you very much, Susan, visit and comment (and fave!) very much appreciated.
Peterson Avatar
February 23, 2019 at 1:18 PM
Excellent work, Arthur. Here, the poet, excelling at his craft. I'd never thought of sleeping ghosts before.
Sharp Avatar
February 23, 2019 at 10:06 PM
Thanks, Mark, if you liked this one I'm pleased - Lawrence.
Lindley Avatar
February 14, 2019 at 8:46 PM
I absolutely love this exceptional poem my friend! In our youth we so concentrate on living we rarely think of dying. Yet from the moment of our first breath we are dying. A fav.. deep, dark and soul searching verses my dear friend.
Sharp Avatar
February 14, 2019 at 10:51 PM
Any write receiving your nod of approval is always very greatly appreciated, my friend, thank you very much for visit and comment (and, of course, fave).
Messina Avatar
February 13, 2019 at 7:15 PM
Once one learns the withered truth, begone will be his foolish youth... well done on this couplet, Lawrence. Very deep...keep writing & keep cool. Sending some love brother. Charlie
Sharp Avatar
February 13, 2019 at 11:03 PM
Thanks, Charles, very pleased if you liked it. Always good to see you here.
Nicole Avatar
February 12, 2019 at 10:07 PM
You have painted a horrific photo of the World. Lost and dying!! There is some comfort in knowing, that not all are lost. Just a small portion. This is so beautifully presented. I like the rhyming couplets. ~ Brandy
Sharp Avatar
February 12, 2019 at 10:17 PM
Thanks for visit and comment, Brandy, insights appreciated. Something new for me, so I'm glad if it's halfway readable.
Pandit Avatar
February 12, 2019 at 10:21 AM
A treacherous journey life is..sad to see all is lost. Your couplets are wonderfully written..so much conflict and emotion I feel. Glad to read a rhyming poem, Lawrence.
Sharp Avatar
February 12, 2019 at 10:15 PM
Thanks, Vijay, support greatly valued, my friend, always. Very pleased if it came out okay.
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