Awaiting Inspiration Written For My Brother and Sister Poets

*** Awaiting Inspiration *** (written for my brother and sister poets) Reaching for dreams in the black of my closed eyes, but sleepless, I go on in music, out past radiant lights — Bright and brighter — spreading beams that hold back off every Fright plotted by the cornered, infernal shadows threatening To overwhelm as they amass over meadows bordering The forested wilds’ protection of those — hidden therein. Those, who, in their God-graced innocence, their divinely destined lives, From infant cries to elder wise; and who will survive Keeping in the depth of their beings a spirit of truth with A visible valiance — seen upon a look deep into their eyes; While —- in this place — in this secrecy thick with trees — I alone Am ready with pen in hand...to be their mirror… For I am a documentarian of the hopes held In humanity’s array of feeling hearts: Whose stories I note In the bounce of continuous city din; in tales recounted by farm folk Walking between their grain-growing rows; and told in chanted Prayers rising for the ill, the poor, the despairing…needed and answered. Thus, holding visions and voices, I persistently proceed with my work, First, with a necessary pulling at these pliant walls Of the creative cocoon — its soft, loose weave deceptively Can seem easily penetrable. Possibly God will respond to these Cries for his collaboration. Meanwhile, alone, awaiting inspiration, I stay With crayons in hand, watching the approach of a very rare snowfall in May. *****. ******. ******. *******. ******. ***** Inspired by Milton & Dante, may be Part i of a longer work. Thanks be to God… Also for Charlie and Jim with thanks. 11/21-28 (c)S. Young Eslinger