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Michael

Moderator

Member Rara Avis

since 1999-08-13

Posts 7666
California

0 posted 2012-02-14 04:20 PM

Asleep at the Real

As I pass through life, asleep at the real,
I can't remember, exactly, what it's like to feel.
The echoes dance along the winding road.
The mile markers drift by me, and my nomad's abode.
No home for a vagrant, itinerant, I dwell,
A human parody on his highway to hell.
Lingering in the shadows, dancing in the rain.
Suffering existence, if in the name of pain...

...That I robe, around me, somehow to keep warm.
...That I wander, in search of, in its every form.
...That I bear - a talisman, to ward others away.
...That I drink, in its darkness, to see me through each day.
...The only sensation left to me at all,
I feen for the dagger that holds me in thrall.
I cringe in its absence, and bleed for it still,
Till need itself erases what's left of my will.

There was blood on the Bible, as I hit the door...
Holes punched in the walls, and photos on the floor.
I left the door open - the air conditioning on.
I left the car in the driveway, then turned, and was gone.
And I've climbed the Rockies, wallowed in the valleys...
'Stayed at the Bonaventure, and I've slept in dark alleys.
I've hidden in plain sight, staring straight at the sun,
Till, blind to ambition, the vanity was run.

And as the clouds rolled in, laying claim to the sky,
With the rain pelting my face, I couldn't even sigh.
No conscience left to me - no bad and no good...
I look to the world knowing I'll never be understood.
Now memory distorts daily - the soul itself numb,
In the hand of Death, with body yet to succumb.
The wind in my face, feeling my blood congeal,
I move on through one more day, asleep at the real.

Michael Anderson

2/14/2012

I strike! It quivers in that heart
Which drives me to this end;
I draw and kiss the bloody dart,
My last-my only friend!

~Abraham Lincoln

JerryPat2
Member Laureate

since 2011-02-06

Posts 16975
South Louisiana

1 posted 2012-02-14 04:29 PM

Uh, you have written my memoirs, Michael, I think I could probably sue you, and win, for that.

One of my favorite groups, Asleep at the Real.." Heehee

~*~ If they give you lined paper, write sideways. ~*~

bel1e
Senior Member

since 2006-07-24

Posts 1631

2 posted 2012-02-14 06:38 PM

This one, I think peaks to everyone in the room...certainly does to me....love that "asleep at the real"...truly can relate~~great poem~

~write on~

JL
Member Ascendant

since 2004-04-01

Posts 6128
Texas, USA

3 posted 2012-02-14 07:36 PM

This could be a RAP song.
The message is perfect and the play on words
is as well.

Enjoyed, brother! (Bro)

JL

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself.
Maranatha!

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

4 posted 2012-02-14 09:26 PM

The title nearly choked me as it pulled me in to read - not once, but three times now.

It lovingly brought to my face the stories I didn't want to tell my kids, but did as kindly as I could, about their father; it also reminded me that they know his stories too...and I can only wonder at the differences through our separated eyes.

As for poetry, all I can say, Michael, is that you always leave me wanting more. I know by now what to expect, most times, that I cheer when you are happy, and when you are reflective, I learn.

Michael

Moderator

Member Rara Avis

since 1999-08-13

Posts 7666
California

5 posted 2012-02-17 12:41 PM

JP, lol... if you really want those memories I won't keep you from 'em. Consider them yours... no really, I insist even.

Bel1e, I'm glad you can relate to this... in my own purely narcissistic manner, of course.

JL, I've written a few songs in my time... but never a rap song. I'll take your word for it though.

K., I thank you for the warm reply, and the understanding that lies behind it. (Hugs) to you.

Michael

suthern

Member Seraphic

since 1999-07-29

Posts 20723
Louisiana

6 posted 2012-02-17 02:25 PM

I could easily have copied the entire poem... because each and every line touched me and through several reads, different parts have gripped me more at different times. From dancing echoes to congealing blood, the images are striking, the mood somber and the flow smoother than silk. I'd need a greater vocabulary than I possess to adequately express how much I appreciate both the poem and the poet. *S*

ebonygirl
Member Elite

since 2011-07-14

Posts 2000
California U.S.A

7 posted 2012-02-17 03:15 PM

Another great poem from you, Michael.
Now, get back into your body and feel the PIPsters love and compassion for you ... just saying.
Smiles, ms e

Nicole
Senior Member

since 1999-06-23

Posts 1835
Florida

8 posted 2012-02-17 03:34 PM

This is very real, for many people, as is your trademark. You have a knack for writing out the dark places that reside in many people; and putting voice to feelings that many do not know how to express.

Michael

Moderator

Member Rara Avis

since 1999-08-13

Posts 7666
California

9 posted 2012-02-18 12:31 PM

Ruth, thank you, your appreciation comes through loud and clear.

Ms E., why do I get the feeling I'm in for a spanking if I don't hurry up and do just that? Lol... Truly, I do feel the love, and thank you and all the Pipsters very much for it.

Nicole, I've spent too many hours, days, years in those places I suppose. That others can relate personally is something of a sad comfort. I don't feel quite so alone knowing such, but knowing they've suffered the same doesn'texactly give much joy. Even so, I'm glad I can be a voice for them, and let them know they're not so alone as well.

Michael

Alison

Member Rara Avis

since 2008-01-27

Posts 9318
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!

10 posted 2012-02-26 12:47 PM

Your punch has some power. I, too, have read this more than once - that says a lot when I am drawn back to read it twice and three times.

A

passing shadows
Member Empyrean

since 1999-08-26

Posts 45577
displaced

11 posted 2012-02-26 03:07 PM

yeah, I relate

seems like I left my inspiration in Cali and you picked it up hitchhiking somewhere

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean

since 1999-11-16

Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA

12 posted 2012-03-02 09:31 PM

Nice...James

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