Lawrence Sharp Poet Free verse

Brief and Clear the Moment

A single moment, all too brief, 
clear as the razor’s edge.
It came to me just as a dream would,
it may have been just as important
or just as meaningless.
In the moment, grave and profound,
I was sure that I must have its mastery
and nearly as sure that I did.
Fatigue was morbid as waking wisdom,
lucidity sure as fiendish cold.
Terror was bright as cloudless noon,
sorrow blind as midnight’s prayer. 
It left me just as a dream might,
it may have been less important
and even more meaningless.
In a new moment, desperate and dire,
I clutched at the vanished mastery
and finally conceded that it was gone.
A single moment, all too clear,
brief as the hangman’s  glance.

16th November 2018

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Funom Makama December 18, 2018 at 11:17 AM Lord God! This has excited me to my soul... My spirit dances like a redeemed bastard with your lines... Keep on writing dear friend. Lawrence Sharp December 18, 2018 at 11:06 PM Thanks so much for the encouragement, Funom, your bright, energetic words of commendation really bring a smile to my face.

Carolyn Devonshire December 4, 2018 at 12:00 PM There are moments of great clarity and sometimes they come in what are called "lucid dreams." Such revelations are profound. I believe it was Edison who sat next to a bucket with coins in his hand as he drifted off to sleep. Coins would wake him in a "lucid" state when he was inspired to pursue his inventions. I love the metaphors, and even more the similes in the center of your well-composed poem, Lawrence. You have a gift for using imagery to convey complex thoughts. Hugs, carolyn Lawrence Sharp December 4, 2018 at 12:41 PM Thanks so very much for visit and comment,Carolyn. Your account of Edison is fascinating, and your analysis of the poem is very incisive. Carolyn Devonshire December 4, 2018 at 12:00 PM Edison's coins made noise to wake him when they fell into the metal bucket.

Deb Radke December 2, 2018 at 9:30 PM This is so provocative. I love the imagery and your last line is perfect. I’m glad I read your poem tonight. Best wishes. Deb Lawrence Sharp December 2, 2018 at 10:34 PM Thanks so much, Deb, I'm glad you read it too. Visit and comment really appreciated.

Brandy Nicole November 30, 2018 at 10:33 PM Some moments feel less important, than others- however, I feel all hold meaning. Depth. There is a reason for each second. For every day. Your thoughts are clear. So beautifully written. ~ Brandy Lawrence Sharp December 1, 2018 at 7:13 AM Thank you very much for visit and comment, Brandy, very good to have you here.

Becca Teagan November 19, 2018 at 10:42 PM You have an amazing way with words. Lawrence Sharp November 20, 2018 at 12:50 PM Thanks, Becca, very kind, greatly appreciated.

Robert Lindley November 17, 2018 at 10:01 AM Such depth, imagery and insight reveals to me a great poetic mind and truly kind soul. Your verses awe and inspire me my dear friend. I know before I read that each poem will teach and inspire me! Sorry about my being absent of late, but my hospital excursion was necessary and quite alarming both. A FAV.. a brilliant free verse gem.. Lawrence Sharp November 17, 2018 at 2:21 PM Thanks Robert, it's very humbling to receive such high praise from such an inspirational poet. It's good to see you well enough to be back with us. Peace, rest.

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart November 16, 2018 at 9:38 PM A feast of a poem. Lawrence Sharp November 17, 2018 at 2:23 PM Thanks, Maureen, very pleased that you liked it.

CayCay Godwin November 16, 2018 at 6:49 PM I actually relate, at least according to my own perspective. Love your lucid imagery, it is compelling. All the best ... CayCay Lawrence Sharp November 16, 2018 at 9:00 PM Thanks, CC, appreciated. I only hope to stimulate some small degree of contemplation.

Vijay Pandit November 16, 2018 at 9:11 AM That moment made quite an impression on you..must have been important and meaningful..however brief it was..it was a dream.. they count when you look back. Lawrence Sharp November 16, 2018 at 8:58 PM Thanks for reading and commenting, Vijay. This one I won't say too much about. Sometimes it leaves me suspended in mid-air, and I just have to accept it.