Michael In the Garden

...dedicated to Ralph McTell


Michael is a prisoner
committed to an institution,
all he has, his senses and his schemes,
a gentle soul with no hard feelings
tries to find some beauty
to emancipate his dreams.

The routine is predictable,
bed checks, meds and three square meals a day,
so little margin for imagination.
He avoids the general population
and stays within himself,
knowing life will be sustainable this way. 

One day he finds the Garden,
a paradise of plants aplenty,
and birds who twitter, tweet the day away,
in comparison to lethargy, to apathy and loss,
a world apart, with wonders to behold,
a font of pure pleasures that never grow old.

He knows that people can be bitter,
can be selfish and unkind
but he's determined to be resolute and strong,
He tries to make a friend or two but mostly he's belittled,
his efforts are rebutted or ignored.
The hopes and aspirations in his mind

find culmination in the Garden that he loves,
he talks to flowers, birds and they respond,
he's consumed with equanimity and grace.
So tell me, who's confined
and whose life is unfulfilled,
is it Michael in the Garden there, or is it you or I?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Duncan Avatar
April 3, 2015 at 5:04 PM
Love it all the way thru . Happy Easter Keith :)
Bickerstaffe Avatar
April 8, 2015 at 7:01 PM
Thanks Debbie!
Wesley Avatar
August 28, 2012 at 3:35 PM
Oh Keith, what a treasure this is. I see these folks so often and most of them wander like lost souls, no focus and no interest and the transformation when something happens like this is wonderful to see. Amazing write dear friend! Love,Lizzie
Eastman Avatar
August 3, 2012 at 11:40 AM
Tremendous message. Very thought provoking. Every time I've read your work you've have always had an amazing way with words.
Bordner Avatar
August 2, 2012 at 6:37 PM
A wonderful remonstration for reevaluating priorites Keith! Great concept evolution too -thanks for reminding me about introspection - J.A.B.
Terry Avatar
July 27, 2012 at 1:50 AM
This is great !!!! I love how you show the gentle nature of Michael, I grew up near a mental illness home and there were some lovely people there and Michael could of easily been one of them, this really took me back to those days. And you ask the most deep question at the end of which I think we know the answer Jon
Mac Donald Avatar
July 23, 2012 at 11:13 AM
A proverbial question, Keith! I think he's probably the most happy, but we are also when go beyond the restrictions of imagination? There are no 'restrictions' :) Enjoying this write a whole lot!!! love, Mikki
Dietrich Avatar
July 19, 2012 at 4:45 PM
I like this. I think we all have our own way of finding peace and enjoyment. To each his own. There are some very lovely people who find their fullness in Michael's way.
Andresen Avatar
July 18, 2012 at 3:43 PM
A lovely story/poem, yes I talks to my flowers in my garden....but they do not talk back to me...they only talk back to Michael.....lol.... - oxox love Anne-Lise
Collins Avatar
July 17, 2012 at 8:03 AM
Interesting question buddy. Peace is in the mind and soul. Guess you already know that. love, Kathy
Brown Avatar
July 14, 2012 at 11:18 AM
Happy weekend to you Keith. I enjoyed reading your amazing poetry this morning. Thank you for sharing your writing with us. Love, Carol
Palmer Avatar
July 14, 2012 at 10:15 AM
great write Keith,loved the journey,life and love is every where in every thing.....
Cayton Avatar
July 13, 2012 at 8:33 PM
Love this piece. Long ago, I talked to the bugs, and I believe they understood me better. I am blessed to live such a life today, where friends and loved ones so endeared. It reminded me of an old friend of mine. Thanks. Cindy
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