A Battered Dream

Long ago,

I threw my dream into the sky

Hoping it might return with an alloy

Of the rainbow,

To tickle my love like a spark to glow

From the cracks of my tattered ribs

And'd goad me to pick some life-tips

Spirited, beatified,

I'd climb unto the top of that hill

There'd hip and hop, and swing and shrill

Until my heart with pleasure'd fill

And wake the spring to

Pluck a basketful blossoms from some wild tree

To make some garlands of twenty-three

Donned with them from head to feet

She arose with a gasping beat

Like a dove

Unto me, using her short, rosy feet she'd move

Morning till

She was with a heart much pleasure thrilled

And me with countless wild kisses filled

Until now it does return

Showering a bowlful of teary-rain

When I lie in my courtyard

Basking the morning sun,

Is torn with lightning and storm

A mind full of oblivion

Drowsy and downcast and no vow

As downcast as I am now.