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

Copyright © | Year Posted 2018



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Date: 12/18/2018 11:17:00 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.
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Lawrence Sharp
Date: 12/18/2018 11:06:00 PM
Thanks so much for the encouragement, Funom, your bright, energetic words of commendation really bring a smile to my face.
Date: 12/4/2018 12:00:00 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
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Lawrence Sharp
Date: 12/4/2018 12:41:00 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.
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Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 12/4/2018 12:00:00 PM
Edison's coins made noise to wake him when they fell into the metal bucket.
Date: 12/2/2018 9:30:00 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
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Lawrence Sharp
Date: 12/2/2018 10:34:00 PM
Thanks so much, Deb, I'm glad you read it too. Visit and comment really appreciated.
Date: 11/30/2018 10:33:00 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
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Lawrence Sharp
Date: 12/1/2018 7:13:00 AM
Thank you very much for visit and comment, Brandy, very good to have you here.
Date: 11/19/2018 10:42:00 PM
You have an amazing way with words.
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Lawrence Sharp
Date: 11/20/2018 12:50:00 PM
Thanks, Becca, very kind, greatly appreciated.
Date: 11/17/2018 10:01:00 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..
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Lawrence Sharp
Date: 11/17/2018 2:21:00 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.
Date: 11/16/2018 9:38:00 PM
A feast of a poem.
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Lawrence Sharp
Date: 11/17/2018 2:23:00 PM
Thanks, Maureen, very pleased that you liked it.
Date: 11/16/2018 6:49:00 PM
I actually relate, at least according to my own perspective. Love your lucid imagery, it is compelling. All the best ... CayCay
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Lawrence Sharp
Date: 11/16/2018 9:00:00 PM
Thanks, CC, appreciated. I only hope to stimulate some small degree of contemplation.
Date: 11/16/2018 9:11:00 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.
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Lawrence Sharp
Date: 11/16/2018 8:58:00 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.
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